Fans Will See Paul McCartney Return to Saturday Night Live
via "PaulMcCartneyVids" / Youtube
Saturday Night Live has unveiled an impressive slate of hosts and musical guests for May, culminating in a high-profile season finale featuring Paul McCartney. The legendary musician will take the stage on May 16, closing out the season alongside host Will Ferrell.
The announcement caps off a month that blends rising pop power with established Hollywood names, reinforcing the show’s reputation as a cultural touchstone for both comedy and music.
Olivia Rodrigo Pulls Double Duty
Kicking off the month on May 2, Olivia Rodrigo will serve as both host and musical guest—an increasingly rare feat most recently achieved by Harry Styles. The 23-year-old continues to build momentum ahead of her third studio album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, set for release on June 12.
While this marks Rodrigo’s hosting debut, she is no stranger to the SNL stage, having previously appeared as a musical guest alongside Keegan-Michael Key in 2021 and Adam Driver in 2023.
Matt Damon Returns, McCartney Closes
On May 9, Matt Damon will return to host SNL for the third time, joined by musical guest Noah Kahan. Damon’s previous appearances in 2002 and 2018 cemented his status as a reliable presence on the show, with one outing even earning him an Emmy nomination. He is next set to appear in Christopher Nolan’s forthcoming film, The Odyssey.
The season finale on May 16 will bring Will Ferrell back to familiar ground. A former cast member from 1995 to 2002, Ferrell remains one of the show’s most iconic alumni. He will be joined by Paul McCartney, who has a long-standing relationship with SNL, having performed in 1980 alongside Linda McCartney, and returning in 1993, 2010, and 2012. He has also made multiple cameo appearances over the years, including during the show’s 50th anniversary special in 2025.
Beyond the U.S., the SNL format continues to expand globally. A UK adaptation has recently launched, featuring a rotating cast of British performers and weekly celebrity guests. Early episodes have already welcomed acts such as Wet Leg and Wolf Alice, signaling a promising future for the franchise abroad.
