What To Know
- Her SNL history includes a 2024 musical guest spot and a duet with Paul Simon at the 50th anniversary special.
- Carpenter stars as a hormone-fueled teen at a dance, “grinding” with castmates in a hilariously over-the-top nod to awkward puberty.
- On a bedroom stage in SNL-branded PJs, she bounced on a bed, singing into a hairbrush with a sax solo climax.
Tonight, October 19, 2025, marks a milestone for pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter as she makes her hosting debut on Saturday Night Live (SNL), pulling double duty as both host and musical guest. The episode, airing live from Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center, promises a blend of cheeky sketches, viral callbacks, and high-energy performances tied to her latest album, Man’s Best Friend. With Season 51 in full swing, Carpenter’s appearance follows a star-studded premiere and reunions, injecting fresh provocativeness into the iconic sketch show.
This new episode is indeed live and on schedule, dispelling any rumors of a hiatus—SNL is back with no interruptions tonight. For those wondering “is SNL new tonight?” the answer is a resounding yes, continuing the season’s momentum after Bad Bunny’s premiere and Amy Poehler’s nostalgic return last week.
Sabrina Carpenter: The Rising Star Hosting SNL
Who Is Sabrina Carpenter?
Sabrina Carpenter, 26, exploded from Disney Channel roots—starring in Girl Meets World—into a boundary-pushing pop artist. Her 2024 hit “Espresso” went viral, cementing her as a Gen-Z icon with witty, innuendo-laced lyrics. This year, her album Man’s Best Friend debuted at No. 1, earning Grammy buzz for tracks like “Manchild” and the newly debuted “Nobody’s Son.” Carpenter’s unapologetic sensuality, seen in tour antics like “arresting” hot fans, has drawn comparisons to early Madonna, but with a TikTok-savvy twist.
Beyond music, she’s a multifaceted talent: acting in Netflix’s Work It and voicing in Phineas and Ferb. Her SNL history includes a 2024 musical guest spot and a duet with Paul Simon at the 50th anniversary special. Tonight, she joked in promos about her “greatest fear” being Marcello Hernández’s seductive character, hinting at playful chaos.
Why Sabrina Carpenter on SNL Tonight?
Carpenter’s double-duty gig aligns perfectly with SNL’s tradition of musical stars like Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande hosting. Producers eyed her for her comedic timing—evident in viral sketches and her Short n’ Sweet Tour banter. “She’s not just horny, she’s turned on and sexually charged,” she quipped in her monologue rehearsal, addressing her provocative image head-on. Expect her to riff on misconceptions, like a cropped photo from the anniversary special that sparked rumors (spoiler: it was Bowen Yang’s hand helping her up).
You Might like this ; Everybody Wants ‘Nobody Wants This’ Back: Season 2
This episode caps three straight new outings, with SNL skipping a break before November’s lineup featuring Miles Teller and Brandi Carlile.
Episode Highlights: Sketches and Performances
The Cold Open: Domingo Returns
SNL kicked off with a bang—or rather, a sultry sway—as the viral “Domingo” sketch returned. Marcello Hernández reprised his lounge-singer lothario, this time with Carpenter spoofing Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia” in a steamy duet. The original 2024 bit racked up 20 million YouTube views; this sequel amps the flirtation, with Carpenter’s character grinding through lyrics like a “panty-clad pop princess.” Fans on Reddit called it a “heel turn,” but the crowd’s energy built to cheers.
Standout Sketches
- Middle School Lovin’: Carpenter stars as a hormone-fueled teen at a dance, “grinding” with castmates in a hilariously over-the-top nod to awkward puberty. Kenan Thompson’s booze-sipping principal steals scenes, lamenting his own youth.
- Sexy Washing Machine: In a QVC parody, Carpenter hawks a “pillow” that’s anything but innocent—pink, furry, and phallic. Mikey Day and Ashley Padilla’s deadpan sales pitch descends into absurdity.
- Movie Guy’s Scary Picks: Carpenter plays a grinding schoolgirl reviewing horror flicks, blending her vampy vibe with meta-humor on 2025’s slasher reboots.
The monologue addressed her album cover controversy (“People got freaked out!”) and teased “horndog” pop stardom, earning laughs for lines like, “I’m proof you can do anything—even if people look down on you.”
Musical Guest Spotlight
As musical guest, Carpenter delivered two unforgettable sets:
- Manchild: On a bedroom stage in SNL-branded PJs, she bounced on a bed, singing into a hairbrush with a sax solo climax. Critics hailed it “girlish glee meets poignant edge.”
- Nobody’s Son (debut): Karate-dojo choreography turned the track into a sketch-like spectacle—funny, sexy, and F-bomb bold (uncensored, a first for hosts).
Her performances promote Man’s Best Friend, praised for “aversion to one sound, collecting gems from different eras.”
SNL Logistics: Time, Channel, and Viewing Guide
What Time Does SNL Start Tonight?
SNL airs live Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET / 8:30 p.m. PT on NBC—tonight’s no exception, though a college football overrun (Notre Dame game) delayed the East Coast feed by minutes, frustrating some Peacock streamers. No “why isn’t SNL on tonight?” worries; it’s fully new and unskipped.
Where to Watch SNL Live
Catch the action via:
- NBC Broadcast: Traditional TV staple, free with antenna.
- Peacock Streaming: Live on Premium plan ($10.99/month)—ideal for cord-cutters, with full seasons archived.
- Cable Providers: DirecTV Stream ($84.99/month, 5-day trial), Fubo ($84.99, $30 off first month), or Sling Blue ($45.99). All carry NBC for live feeds.
- YouTube Clips: Post-air, SNL’s channel drops highlights instantly.
For international fans, check local NBC affiliates or VPN to Peacock. Replays hit NBC Sunday mornings.
The 2025 SNL Cast: Fresh Faces Amid Farewells
Returning Veterans
Season 51 boasts 18 core cast members, blending longevity with innovation. Standouts include:
- Mikey Day (9th season): Writing alum turned anchor for absurd sketches.
- Bowen Yang (7th season): Emmy-nominated for sharp impressions, absent tonight for the Academy Museum Gala.
- Chloe Fineman and Heidi Gardner (pre-departure vets): Fineman stays for versatile celeb spoofs; Gardner’s eight-season run ended in September.
- Weekend Update Anchors: Colin Jost (11th year) and Michael Che, Emmy winners for writing.
New Additions and Departures
Post-50th anniversary shake-up, five newcomers join:
- Tommy Brennan: Stand-up comic with viral TikToks.
- Jeremy Culhane: UCB performer from Dropout’s improv circuit.
- Kam Patterson: Kill Tony regular from Orlando.
- Veronika Slowikowska: Social media sensation with edgy shorts.
- Ben Marshall: Promoted from Please Don’t Destroy (PDD), as John Higgins exits for acting gigs.
Farewells include Ego Nwodim (7 seasons: “Time to say goodnight”), Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, and Michael Longfellow—honored in the premiere. Lorne Michaels called the changes “good,” teasing reliance on James Austin Johnson’s Trump for election-season bite.
Looking Ahead: SNL’s Packed November Slate
Upcoming Hosts and Guests
- Nov. 1: Miles Teller hosts, Brandi Carlile performs (Returning to Myself album promo).
- Nov. 8: Nikki Glaser’s debut with sombr.
- Nov. 15: Glen Powell and Olivia Dean.
Season 51 eyes 20 episodes through May 2026, with more announcements looming.
Conclusion
Sabrina Carpenter’s SNL takeover tonight embodies the show’s ethos: live, unpredictable, and unfiltered. From Domingo’s seductive revival to her bold performances, this episode cements her evolution from Disney darling to comedy provocateur. Tune in at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC or Peacock—because as Carpenter might say, why sleep when there’s grinding to do? For full recaps, follow @nbcsnl on X.
