Season 51 was quite an interesting journey. The first two thirds, especially the first two runs of the back half and the November run, were overall really fun. Solid, fresh, with a lot of back-and-forth between the vets and newbies taking the spotlight (even Mikey Day churned out some of his best work in several seasons in that point). As soon as the Harry Styles episode came along, despite its highlights, the season sank and never recovered for me. That episode’s deadness crept into the last quarter and made it quite a tough watch, even with some excellent highs (as seen later in this post).
May 16, 2026 – Will Ferrell / Paul McCartney (S51 E20)
The “new era” vibes continue with a redone version of that S43 cold open with Trumpwin (shudder). You just cannot make this shit up. If the show is so nostalgic for the late ‘10s era, “my” era actually, then why even bother hiring a new cast and crop of writers? It is so clear how “precious” graying Colin Jost and Mikey Day are to Lorne. Why not emulate that’s era’s more structured writing and standout cast? I had my issues with the that era (though mainly cold opens and a few cast members near its end), but it is late ‘80s SNL next to these past two seasons. Bland nostalgia is nothing at the end.
May 9, 2026 – Matt Damon / Noah Kahan (S51 E19)
Cue the umpteenth appearance from Jost’s Hegseth. Part of me is slowly dying every time I have to review this impression. I should be happy to see not only Matt in the cold open, but reprising his classic Kavanaugh impression. But, between him, Jost and Kenan, we are getting already a “nostalgia” to the late ‘10s era.
May 2, 2026 – Olivia Rodrigo (S51 E18)
Groan. Fucking ugh at the visual of the large scotch glass with Colin. Considering how he horribly bombed the last time he showed up, I am not surprised the audience’s laughter is quite mild so far, especially that one loud lady. “Hilarious”, as get homophobic jabs at the reporters, for the billionth time this season. And, considering the five minutes humiliation sketch Jeremy Culhane was in last episode, not even going to pretend this isn’t a not-so-subtle digs at the newbies in these reporter roles.