The iconic sketch comedy show, “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), has announced an exciting lineup of hosts and musical guests for its upcoming May 2026 episodes. Among the highlights is Olivia Rodrigo, who will not only host the first show on May 2 but will also serve as the musical guest. This appearance marks Rodrigo’s debut as a host, following her previous performances on the show in May 2021 and December 2023.
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Rodrigo’s upcoming performance is particularly significant as it comes just ahead of the release of her highly anticipated third album, entitled “You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love,” which is due out on June 12. This dual role is expected to showcase her evolving talents and add another layer of excitement to her already bright career.
Following Rodrigo’s episode, Hollywood heavyweight Matt Damon will take on hosting duties for the show airing on May 9. This will be Damon’s third appearance as a host on SNL. He will be joined by musical guest Noah Kahan, who is returning for his second turn on the SNL stage after making his debut in December 2023 with his breakout hit, “Stick Season.”
The subsequent show on May 16 will feature comedian Will Ferrell as the host. Ferrell, a beloved SNL alum known for his numerous memorable characters, has previously hosted the show five times and was a cast member from 1995 to 2002. His experience on the show has been described as “the hardest but most fun job” he has ever had. Ferrell’s return aligns with the launch of his new golf comedy series, “The Hawk,” set to premiere on Netflix this summer.
Joining Ferrell on the May 16 episode will be music legend Paul McCartney. This performance will mark McCartney’s fifth time as a musical guest on SNL, a notable milestone considering he first graced the SNL stage in 1980. The collaboration between Ferrell and McCartney promises to bring an exciting blend of comedy and music to fans.
Interestingly, Rodrigo’s May 2 show will be the first SNL episode following the recent induction of actor Jack Black into the prestigious “Five-Timers Club,” an honour bestowed upon celebrities who have hosted the show five times or more. This momentous occasion was celebrated in Black’s opening monologue on April 4, where he was welcomed into the club by fellow members including Melissa McCarthy, Tina Fey, and Jonah Hill, among others.
Jack White, another notable figure in the music world, performed during Black’s induction, offering his own salute by performing a parody of “Seven Nation Army” alongside Black. The participation of these celebrated stars in the Five-Timers Club highlights the enduring appeal and cultural significance of SNL over the years.
The elite group includes not only Black but also A-list personalities like Tom Hanks, Paul Rudd, Dwayne Johnson, and Emma Stone, to name but a few. The unofficial record for most hosting gigs remains with Alec Baldwin, who has helmed the show 17 times while also appearing in countless episodes in various capacities.
As anticipation builds for the May episodes, “Saturday Night Live” continues to prove its status as a leading platform for both emerging and established talent in the world of entertainment. The show airs every Saturday at 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time on NBC and is also available to stream on Peacock, allowing audiences to tune in and experience the latest in comedic performances and musical showcases.