Sabrina Carpenter to Host and Perform on ‘Saturday Night Live’ — Everything to Know About the Oct. 18 Episode

Saturday Night Live is gearing up for an electrifying night as Sabrina Carpenter steps onto the Studio 8H stage for the first time, not only to host but also to perform. The singer-songwriter, who’s dominated the charts in 2025 with hits like “Taste” and “Please Please Please,” is the latest artist to join the small but iconic club of double-duty performers.

The October 18 episode marks the third installment of Season 51, following Amy Poehler’s nostalgic hosting return on October 11, which featured Role Model as the musical guest. Carpenter’s episode promises a mix of sharp comedy sketches, playful self-awareness, and, of course, some live pop magic.

Fans can tune in live on NBC at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT, or stream it the next day on Peacock. For those catching up, the platform also features episodes from earlier this season, offering a full lineup of sketches and behind-the-scenes extras.

Who’s in the Cast This Season

Season 51 brings back several fan-favorite comedians, including Kenan Thompson, Colin Jost, Michael Che, Bowen Yang, Chloe Fineman, Sarah Sherman, and Mikey Day. Joining them are newer faces like Ashley Padilla and Jane Wickline, alongside this year’s fresh recruits — Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska.

Notably, SNL bid farewell to several longtime members this season, including Heidi Gardner, Ego Nwodim, Emil Wakim, Devon Walker, and Michael Longfellow, all of whom exited the show over the summer. Their departures marked a creative shift as Lorne Michaels continues to refresh the ensemble ahead of SNL’s upcoming 50th anniversary celebrations.

A Pop Star’s Comedy Moment

Carpenter’s appearance follows a banner year for the 26-year-old artist. Her summer single Taste topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and global streaming charts, and she recently wrapped her sold-out “Short n’ Sweet” world tour. Known for her cheeky humor and viral red-carpet moments, Carpenter’s quick wit and charisma make her a natural fit for the SNL stage.

Her hosting stint continues SNL’s recent trend of featuring young pop stars with cross-generational appeal — from Olivia Rodrigo to Harry Styles — highlighting how the show continues to evolve with modern pop culture.

While little is known about her sketches, SNL insiders teased on social media that Carpenter will “lean into her self-aware, internet-savvy persona,” suggesting we might see parodies of her music videos or a comedic spin on her dating life — both frequent subjects of fan memes and TikToks.

What’s Next for SNL

Future hosts and musical guests for the October 25 and November 1 episodes have yet to be announced. However, with SNL’s upcoming Halloween show traditionally featuring big-name talent, fans can expect another major celebrity reveal soon.

As for Carpenter, this weekend’s episode could solidify her as not just a pop powerhouse but a full-fledged entertainer capable of commanding the world’s most unpredictable live comedy stage.

Whether you’re tuning in for the sketches, the songs, or the inevitable internet moments that follow, one thing’s certain — SNL’s October 18 episode is shaping up to be one of the season’s must-watch nights.

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