Melissa McCarthy is stepping back into the live‑TV spotlight this holiday season, returning to Saturday Night Live as host for a festive December episode that’s already generating buzz among fans and comedy insiders.
Melissa McCarthy Returns to Host Saturday Night Live
NBC has tapped
Melissa McCarthy to host
Saturday Night Live on
December 6, 2025, with R&B artist
Dijon as the musical guest. This marks another high‑profile appearance for McCarthy on the iconic sketch show, where she’s long been considered one of the most electric recurring hosts.
In a promo released on YouTube and NBC platforms, the show confirms McCarthy as host for the December 6 episode as part of its Season 51 lineup. The episode is positioned as one of SNL’s big holiday shows, traditionally among the most-watched of the season.
Why Her SNL Hosting Gigs Matter
McCarthy isn’t just another celebrity host dropping by Studio 8H. Over the years, she has built a reputation as:
- A
fan-favorite SNL host, known for fully committing to physical comedy and outrageous characters
- A performer whose sketches often go viral after broadcast
- A reliable ratings draw during sweeps and holiday periods
Her previous SNL appearances, particularly her over-the-top political and physical comedy work, helped cement her status as one of the most versatile comedic actors of her generation. Industry watchers will be looking to see if she debuts new characters, revisits any beloved personas, or leans into holiday-themed chaos for this December show.
A Strategic Holiday Spotlight
Hosting SNL in early December is no random booking. That slot is:
-
Prime holiday TV real estate, when audiences are home and viewership traditionally climbs
- A chance for McCarthy to stay front-and-center in pop culture conversation heading into year’s end
- A platform that can turbocharge interest in her upcoming projects, whether in film, TV, or streaming
For NBC and
Saturday Night Live, pairing a proven comedy heavyweight like McCarthy with a critically acclaimed musical guest like
Dijon is a calculated move to balance mainstream appeal with cultural cachet.
What to Watch For on December 6
Here’s what fans and industry insiders will be paying attention to in McCarthy’s latest SNL turn:
-
Cold open and monologue: Will she anchor the political or topical opener, and will her monologue lean more personal, musical, or purely chaotic comedy?
-
Physical comedy set pieces: McCarthy is known for going all-in on stunts and slapstick — expect at least one sketch built entirely around her willingness to get messy.
-
Surprise cameos: Holiday episodes often stack the lineup with unannounced appearances, and McCarthy’s deep list of collaborators could open the door to guest stars.
No full sketch list or guest cameos have been announced yet, but SNL typically keeps those details under wraps until showtime to preserve surprises.
What This Means for Melissa McCarthy’s Career Momentum
This SNL hosting gig underscores a few key realities about where McCarthy is right now:
- She remains a
go-to name when networks want dependable, high-energy live comedy.
- Her brand blends mainstream appeal with a willingness to take big, weird swings — a perfect match for SNL’s live format.
- A successful episode can help fuel interest in her next wave of projects, from studio comedies to more dramatic or streaming roles.
For fans, it’s simple: McCarthy back on SNL in a holiday episode is almost guaranteed mayhem in the best possible way. For industry watchers, it’s another reminder that more than a decade after her breakout, she’s still one of comedy’s most bankable, unpredictable live performers.
Sources
1. SNL Host Melissa McCarthy Is the Rockefeller Center Christmas ...
