NBC’s SNL Delayed Start Tonight Due to Football Coverage

New York, NY – Fans of NBC’s Saturday Night Live (SNL) will need to adjust their schedules tonight, as the show will start later than usual. The new air time is set for 11:42 p.m. ET / 8:42 p.m. PT.

This delay follows extended coverage of the college football game between the University of Southern California (USC) and Notre Dame. Such late starts are not new for SNL; the last occurrence was on October 12, 2024, when Ariana Grande hosted with musical guest Stevie Nicks, and the show began at 12:35 a.m. ET.

Tonight’s late start is notable, as it marks SNL’s longest delay since November 7, 2020, when the show aired at 12:17 a.m. ET. Fans are encouraged to tune in later for a night filled with entertainment once the football excitement comes to an end.