You’re probably sitting there on your couch, snack in hand, wondering why NBC is showing a rerun of some sketch from three months ago. It’s a classic Saturday night bummer. You wanted to see who was going to get roasted on Weekend Update, but instead, you're looking at a "Best Of" compilation or a repeat from the fall.
So, let’s get straight to the point: is SNL new March 22 2025? No, it’s not.
Honestly, it’s kind of a drag, especially since we’re in the middle of the massive Season 50 celebration. But if you know how Saturday Night Live works, these little gaps in the schedule are actually pretty standard. The show usually runs in blocks of three weeks on and then two weeks off. After the high-octane energy of Lady Gaga pulling double duty as host and musical guest on March 8, the cast and crew definitely needed a breather.
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Why isn't SNL new on March 22?
The short answer is production fatigue. Putting together 90 minutes of live television from scratch every single week is a logistical nightmare. By the time the writers get to the third week of a live block, they're basically living on caffeine and prayer.
March is also a notoriously weird month for TV scheduling because of "March Madness." While SNL doesn't directly compete with the NCAA tournament in terms of time slots, the network often uses these windows to recalibrate their spring lineup.
The Season 50 context
This isn't just any season. It's the 50th anniversary. We’ve already seen some heavy hitters this year:
- Jean Smart kicking things off in the fall.
- John Mulaney joining the "Five-Timers Club" officially (though he's been around forever).
- That massive 50th Anniversary Special back in February that basically felt like a three-hour fever dream of every funny person who has ever lived.
After the Gaga episode on March 8, Lorne Michaels and the team took a scheduled hiatus. This gives the writers room to bank some fresh ideas and the tech crew a chance to reset the stage for the final sprint of the season.
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When does SNL come back?
If you're looking for the next live broadcast, mark your calendar for March 29, 2025. That’s when the doors to Studio 8H swing open again.
NBC has already confirmed that Mikey Madison will be making her hosting debut. If you saw her in Anora (which just nabbed her an Oscar, by the way), you know she has the range. Seeing how that intensity translates to a sketch about a target employee or a weird game show is going to be fascinating.
Joining her is musical guest Morgan Wallen. It’s his second time on the show, and regardless of how you feel about his past controversies, the guy pulls massive ratings. He’s currently prepping for his "I'm The Problem" tour, so expect some new tracks from his upcoming album.
What to watch instead of a new episode
Since there isn't a fresh monologue to dissect tomorrow morning, you've got a few options. NBC usually airs a "Vintage SNL" episode at 10:00 PM ET followed by a repeat of a Season 50 episode at 11:30 PM.
If you missed the Lady Gaga episode from March 8, it’s worth a rewatch on Peacock. Her "Abracadabra" performance was peak Gaga, and she actually held her own in the sketches. Unlike some musicians who just read the cue cards with a blank stare, she actually acted.
Upcoming Schedule for April 2025
Once the show returns on the 29th, the momentum picks up fast. Here is what the rest of the spring looks like:
- April 5: Jack Black (hosting to promote the Minecraft movie) with musical guests Elton John and Brandi Carlile.
- April 12: Jon Hamm returns to host with Lizzo as the musical guest.
- May 3: Quinta Brunson makes her return with Benson Boone.
The Bowen Yang "Goodbye" Rumors
One thing that has fans buzzing during this break is the departure of Bowen Yang. If you haven't heard, he basically confirmed he’s leaving mid-season. His final "official" goodbye happened during the Ariana Grande/Cher Christmas episode, but there’s been talk that he might pop up for a few cameos before the season finale in May.
Losing Bowen is a huge hit for the current cast. He’s been the emotional and comedic anchor for the last few years. Seeing how the "Featured Players" like Ashley Padilla and Emil Wakim step up to fill that void during the April episodes will be the real test for the show's future.
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Your Saturday Night Game Plan
Since you now know is SNL new March 22 2025 is a "no," don't stay up late expecting a live cold open.
Actionable Steps for SNL Fans:
- Check Peacock: All of Season 50 is streaming there. If you missed the Shane Gillis episode from March 1st, go back and watch the "Wedding Interruption" sketch. It was arguably the highlight of the spring so far.
- Set a DVR Alert: Make sure your recorder is set for March 29 for Mikey Madison. New hosts are hit-or-miss, but Oscar winners usually bring their A-game.
- Follow "SNL Rewards": If you’re in New York, the standby line for the March 29 episode will likely start forming on Friday, March 28. Use the digital standby reservation system on the NBC website to snag a spot.
Basically, take the night off. Grab a drink, watch a movie, and get ready for the home stretch of the 50th anniversary season starting next week.