How to watch Will Ferrell, Paul McCartney in ‘SNL’ finale for free

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.

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE -- Episode 1904 -- Pictured: (l-r) Chloe Fineman, Sarah Sherman, and host Will Ferrell during Promos on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 -- (Photo by: Rosalind O'Connor/NBC via Getty Images)
Saturday Night Live - Season 51 — 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.”

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.

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

“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.

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.

SNL50: THE ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL -- Pictured: Paul McCartney performs a medley on February 16, 2025 -- (Photo by: Theo Wargo/NBC via Getty Images)
SNL50: The Anniversary Special - Season 2025 — 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.