Will Ferrell hosts ‘SNL’ finale with Paul McCartney—Here’s how to watch for free
Will Ferrell is hosting the Season 51 finale of 'Saturday Night Live,' marking his sixth time as host and promoting his upcoming Netflix comedy 'The Hawk.' Musical guest Paul McCartney is making his seventh appearance on the show, performing ahead of his new album release. The episode aired live on May 16, 2026, and can be streamed on platforms like DIRECTV and Peacock.
- ▪Will Ferrell was a cast member on 'SNL' from 1995 to 2001 and returned to host the Season 51 finale.
- ▪Paul McCartney performed on 'SNL' during the 50th anniversary special and is set to release his 21st studio album, 'The Boys of Dungeon Lane,' on May 29.
- ▪The Season 51 finale of 'SNL' aired live on May 16, 2026, at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC.
- ▪Viewers can stream 'SNL' for free using trials from DIRECTV or Peacock Premium.
- ▪'SNL' will return in the fall for Season 52.
5 outlets in our directory ran this story, first to last over 17 hours. All of the coverage we found sits in one bucket: centre. That one-sidedness is itself worth noticing.
- ▪ Paul McCartney Jumps Into ‘SNL’ Monologue’s Will Ferrell/Chad Smith Joke — Billboard
- ▪ Paul McCartney Plays SNL Season 51 Finale, Chad Smith Hijacks Will Ferrell’s Monologue — Stereogum
- ▪ Will Ferrell confronts his look-alike during his SNL monologue — Mashable
- ▪ Will Ferrell’s SNL Monologue Hijacked by Doppelgänger Chad Smith — Consequence (of Sound)
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TV Will Ferrell hosts ‘SNL’ finale with Paul McCartney—Here’s how to watch for free By Angela Tricarico Published May 16, 2026, 7:30 p.m. ET NBC via Getty Images Page Six may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. Live from New York, it’s the Season 51 finale of “Saturday Night Live.” The season, which began with Bad Bunny and Doja Cat, will wrap up with a legendary lineup of host Will Ferrell and musical guest Paul McCartney. Ferrell appeared in a promo sketch with cast members Chloe Fineman and Sarah Sherman ahead of tonight’s episode. Rosalind O'Connor/NBC via Getty Images Ferrell was a cast member at “SNL” from 1995 to 2001, and tonight’s episode marks his sixth hosting stint.
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