Who is hosting SNL tonight (January 18)? Everything to know

SNL Tonight, airing on January 18, 2025, is a special episode of Saturday Night Live. It marks season 50, episode 11, and the 979th episode in the series’ long-running legacy. This week’s episode is hosted by comedian Dave Chappelle, who is returning for his fourth hosting stint.

Chappelle has previously captivated audiences with his sharp wit during episodes following U.S. elections in 2016, 2020, and 2022. Adding to his accolades, his latest comedy special, Dave Chappelle: The Dreamer, is currently nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album.

Joining Chappelle is musical guest GloRilla, making her SNL Tonight debut. The multi-platinum rapper has made waves in the music industry with her Grammy-nominated hit, Yeah Glo.

With cast members like Kenan Thompson, Chloe Fineman, and Bowen Yang on board, viewers can expect a night filled with laughter, standout performances, and a showcase of the best in sketch comedy.

Dave Chappelle hosts SNL tonight, January 18, 2025

SNL Tonight, airing on January 18, 2025, marks the first new episode of the year. Fans on YouTube have jokingly referred to Chappelle's hosting as a new tradition, with one comment suggesting his appearances align with moments of political transition.

"It’s a tradition to have Dave before a new president gets into office now," a comment under Dave Chappelle host announcement clip by SNL January 15, 2025.

GloRilla’s musical performances promise to energize SNL Tonight, as the rapper has had a phenomenal 2024. Her hit singles, Yeah Glo and Wanna Be (with Megan Thee Stallion), both charted within the Billboard Hot 100’s top 40. These successes paved the way for her debut mixtape, Ehhthang Ehhthang, which climbed to number 18 on the Billboard 200.

In the promo for SNL Tonight, Chappelle, GloRilla, and cast member Marcello Hernández showcase their chemistry through playful banter. Marcello praises GloRilla for uniting people during chaotic times but hilariously clarifies that he wasn’t addressing Chappelle, earning a cheeky response from GloRilla.

The highlight comes when Marcello humorously struggles to translate a Spanish rendition of GloRilla’s music, despite being Spanish himself. This lighthearted promo captures the energy expected in tonight’s episode, featuring promoted repertory players Marcello Hernández, Michael Longfellow, and Devon Walker.

A brief look at Dave Chappelle's career

Dave Chappelle co-created and starred in Chappelle's Show (2003–2006), a flagship sketch series that became a cultural phenomenon. In the middle of the third season, with the show at the height of its success, Chappelle stunned fans by abruptly leaving in 2005 over creative differences and concerns about how his work was being interpreted.

He stepped away from the limelight before triumphantly returning to stand-up with a few successful Netflix specials: The Age of Spin and Deep in the Heart of Texas. While these specials were praised for their incisive commentary, they also sparked divisive reactions, much of the backlash directed at his takes on race, gender, and identity.

In 2019, he received the highest honor in the American humor world, the Mark Twain Prize. As he returns to SNL tonight, Chappelle's place in history is well established as both a provocative and celebrated comedian of our time, setting him apart in the entertainment world.

Dave Chappelle has won five Primetime Emmy Awards, including two for hosting Saturday Night Live in 2017 and 2021 and three for his comedy specials Equanimity (2018) and Sticks & Stones (2020), which earned him recognition for both writing and performance.

Saturday Night Live cast, stream options, and air timings

List of cast members on SNL tonight (January 18):

As of January 18, 2025, the cast of Saturday Night Live includes:

Michael Che
Mikey Day
Andrew Dismukes
Chloe Fineman
Heidi Gardner
Marcello Hernandez
James Austin Johnson
Colin Jost
Michael Longfellow
Ego Nwodim
Sarah Sherman
Kenan Thompson
Devon Walker
Bowen Yang

Featured Players:

Ashley Padilla
Emil Wakim
Jane Wickline

Weekend Update Anchors:

Colin Jost
Michael Che

Where to watch the latest SNL episodes?

To watch Saturday Night Live (SNL tonight), January 18, 2025, viewers have several options:

NBC: Tune in live on NBC at 11:30 p.m. ET to watch SNL.
Peacock: NBC's streaming service, Peacock, offers live streaming of SNL. The Premium plan costs $7.99/month, while the Premium Plus plan, which includes fewer ads and offline viewing, is $13.99/month.
Live TV Streaming Services: Platforms like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV provide access to NBC live streams, allowing you to watch SNL in real time. Prices vary, so it's advisable to check each service for current rates.

Please note that availability and pricing may change, so it's best to verify with each provider for the most current information.