Is 'SNL' Live Tonight? April 12 Episode Status Explained

Is SNL Live Tonight? April 12 Episode Status Explained...

Fans of Saturday Night Live are asking whether the show is airing live tonight, April 12, 2026. The question is trending as viewers anticipate the next episode following last week's politically charged broadcast.

SNL typically airs live at 11:30 PM ET on Saturdays, but tonight’s episode is not scheduled due to NBC’s coverage of the 2026 Masters Tournament. The show will return next week with a new live episode on April 19.

This weekend’s absence comes after heightened interest in SNL following host John Mulaney’s controversial monologue on April 5. The comedian’s jokes about current political figures sparked online debate, driving searches about the show’s next airing.

NBC confirmed the schedule change earlier this week, noting that sports programming occasionally preempts SNL. The Masters, golf’s first major championship of the year, is drawing significant viewership, leading to the temporary shift.

Fans can expect the show to resume its normal schedule next Saturday. No host or musical guest has been announced yet for the April 19 episode, but casting news is expected in the coming days.

Saturday Night Live remains a cultural touchstone, particularly in election years, as it satirizes current events. The show’s breaks often prompt spikes in online searches, especially after memorable episodes.

For those missing SNL tonight, NBC will encore a recent episode at 10 PM ET. Meanwhile, the Masters final round airs live from Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia.