You're sitting on the couch, snacks ready, it's 11:29 PM on a Saturday, and you realize you have no idea where the remote is—or more importantly, what channel you're even looking for. It's a classic Saturday Night Live panic.
Honestly, it should be simple. It’s been on since 1975. But with the way TV works in 2026, finding exactly what network does SNL come on feels like a riddle wrapped in a streaming subscription.
The short answer? NBC. It’s always been NBC. But the "how" and "where" have changed enough that if you're just looking for a channel number, you're probably going to miss the cold open.
The NBC Dynasty and the Peacock Shift
For over 50 years, Saturday Night Live has lived on NBC. That hasn't changed. If you have a pair of "rabbit ear" antennas or a standard cable box, you just find your local NBC affiliate and you’re golden. In New York, that’s WNBC. In Los Angeles, it’s KNBC. You get the idea.
But here is where it gets kinda messy.
If you’re a cord-cutter, you aren't looking for a "network" in the traditional sense. You're looking for an app. Specifically, Peacock. Since the start of Season 50 and moving into Season 51 (the 2025–2026 season), NBC has gone all-in on simulcasting. This means the show airs live on Peacock at the exact same time it airs on the NBC broadcast network.
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11:30 PM ET / 8:30 PM PT.
If you’re trying to watch it on Hulu (the basic version) or Netflix? Forget it. You've basically got two choices for the live experience: the big peacock logo or the big peacock-owned streaming service.
What Network Does SNL Come On Tonight?
If you're asking this specifically for the 2026 winter season, things get a little weird. NBC is the home of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
From February 6th to February 22nd, 2026, the "network" you usually turn to for sketches and Weekend Update is going to be plastered with figure skating and downhill skiing. During the Olympics, SNL usually takes a hiatus. You might see a rerun if you're lucky, but the "live" network schedule gets hijacked by sports.
The Milestone Episode
If you’re hunting for the network to catch history, mark January 31, 2026. That is the scheduled date for the 1,000th episode of Saturday Night Live. Alexander Skarsgård is set to host with Cardi B as the musical guest.
For a milestone like that, NBC usually pulls out all the stops. We’re talking potential pre-show specials and red carpets. While the main show is on NBC, some of that extra "anniversary" fluff often migrates to E! or is exclusive to Peacock Premium Plus subscribers.
Where to Stream if You Miss the Broadcast
Maybe you fell asleep. It happens. If you’re looking for the show on Sunday morning, the "network" question shifts to "platform."
- Peacock: This is the only place to find the full, unedited (mostly) library. Every season. Every era.
- YouTube: The official SNL channel is great for sketches, but you won't get the musical performances. Licensing is a nightmare. If you want to see the musical guest, you generally have to stick to the NBC/Peacock ecosystem.
- Hulu / Live TV Services: If you pay for YouTube TV, Fubo, or Hulu + Live TV, you have access to the NBC live feed. It's the same as having cable.
Why the Channel Matters More Than Ever
Back in the day, you just tuned in. Now, because SNL airs live across all time zones (they started doing this a few years ago so the West Coast wouldn't get spoiled by Twitter), the timing is everything.
If you are on the West Coast and you wait until 11:30 PM to turn on NBC, you’ve already missed the show. It airs at 8:30 PM PT. This was a huge change for long-time fans who were used to the tape delay.
Common Misconceptions
- "It's on Comedy Central." Nope. They show reruns from the 90s and 2000s, but never the new stuff.
- "I can watch it for free on the NBC App." Sorta. You usually need a cable provider login. Without one, you’re better off with an antenna.
- "It's on Paramount+." Definitely not. That's CBS territory.
Actionable Steps for Your Saturday Night
Don't wait until the music starts to figure this out. If you want to watch the next episode—like the Finn Wolfhard / A$AP Rocky show on January 17th—do this:
- Check your local listings: If you use an antenna, scan your channels now to make sure NBC is coming in clear.
- Update your Peacock app: If you're streaming, don't let a "mandatory update" screen kill your vibe at 11:29 PM.
- Set a "Live" Reminder: If you're in PT or MT, remember the show is live-to-air. 8:30 PM is your start time, not midnight.
- Check the Olympic schedule: If it's mid-February, don't be surprised if your NBC affiliate is showing luge instead of Lorne Michaels' latest cast.
Knowing exactly what network does SNL come on is the difference between catching the viral "digital short" live and seeing it as a grainy 15-second clip on TikTok the next morning. Stick with NBC or Peacock, and you're set for the season.