SNL season 51 finale (May 16, 2026)

Cafe Society
1

Tonight’s the season finale with Will Ferrell as host and Paul McCartney as the musical guest. There’s a bubble of speculation online that this is Lorne Michaels’ swan song, with one of the show’s biggest stars hosting and one of Lorne’s favorite musicals performing.

I’d love to see Ringo show up and try to collect on Lorne’s 1976 offer to reunite the Beatles. He and Paul do have a song out together right now…

Anyway, I’ve been looking forward to this episode since these two were announced as the host/musical guest.

“Get off the shed!”

2

Has there been any speculation about Lorne’s potential replacement?

I’ll look forward to Colin and Michael’s joke swap. Especially since the Christmas one was a dud.

3

Every year there’s speculation that Lorne Michaels will retire. Among the possible successors mentioned over the years, I can remember off the top of my head Al Franken, Tina Fey and Kenan Thompson. I’m sure there have been many others.

I’m looking forward to the show, but I’m not holding my breath waiting for a big bombshell announcement.

4

I’ve heard Tina Fey’s name bandied about over the past several years. But Lorne just hangs onto this job like grim death. Death may be the only thing that forces his retirement.

5

The finale is happening already? It seems like it just started.

There hasn’t been too many memorable episodes this year, but I’m glad Jane Wickline has found her groove, and is getting more screentime.

As far as successor, yeah, Fey gets mentioned quite a bit. I’ve heard Seth Meyers, but that may just be fans’ wish list. I do enjoy him though.