Will Ferrell hosts ‘SNL’ finale with Paul McCartney—Here’s how to watch for free

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Live from New York, it’s the Season 51 finale of “Saturday Night Live.”

The season, which began with Bad Bunny and Doja Cat, will wrap up with a legendary lineup of host Will Ferrell and musical guest Paul McCartney.

Ferrell appeared in a promo sketch with cast members Chloe Fineman and Sarah Sherman ahead of tonight’s episode. Rosalind O’Connor/NBC via Getty Images

Ferrell was a cast member at “SNL” from 1995 to 2001, and tonight’s episode marks his sixth hosting stint. He most recently appeared on “SNL” during the 50th anniversary special in February 2025. Ferrell is hosting to promote his upcoming Netflix comedy, “The Hawk.”

‘Saturday Night Live’ season 51 finale: what to know

• When: May 2, 11:30 p.m. ET
• Channel: NBC
• Streaming: DIRECTV (try it free)
• Host: Will Ferrell
• Musical guest: Paul McCartney

McCartney is also returning to “SNL” for the seventh time. The last time he took the stage in Studio 8H was also during the 50th anniversary special, where he performed “Golden Slumbers,” “Carry That Weight” and “The End.” McCartney’s 21st studio album, “The Boys of Dungeon Lane” is scheduled to be released on May 29.

“SNL” will return to NBC in the fall for Season 52; if you want to tune in to the last new “Saturday Night Live” of the season, here’s what you need to know.

Who is hosting ‘SNL’ tonight (May 16)?

“SNL” alum Will Ferrell is hosting the Season 51 finale of “Saturday Night Live” tonight, May 16 with musical guest Paul McCartney.

When is ‘Saturday Night Live’ on?

“SNL” is on tonight, May 16. The Season 51 finale will air live from coast-to-coast at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT.

How to watch Will Ferrell on ‘SNL’ for free

If you don’t have cable, you’ll need a live TV streaming service to stream “Saturday Night Live” for free. One option we love is DIRECTV, which comes with five days free and starts at $84.99/month, with plenty of subscription options and genre packs that include NBC.

Paul McCartney most recently performed in Studio 8H during “SNL50: The Anniversary Special.” Theo Wargo/NBC via Getty Images

You can also watch “SNL” for free with a Peacock Premium free trial (seven days, then $16.99/month). Peacock also has new “SNL” episodes available to stream in full on Sunday mornings.

Will Ferrell on ‘SNL’ preview

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This article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Streaming Reporter for the New York Post, Page Six, and Decider. Angela keeps readers up to date with information on how to watch all of your favorite reality TV shows and movies on each streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, celebrities and pop culture. Prior to joining The Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews