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Paul McCartney Returns to SNL, Debuts New Album

5/17/2026

Summary

McCartney SNL Return

Paul McCartney performed “Days We Left Behind,” “Band on the Run,” and “Coming Up” on Saturday Night Live’s finale on May 16, 2026, with Chad Smith on drums.
Paul McCartney appeared with Will Ferrell and Marcello Hernández in a cold-open and car-mechanic sketch.
The appearance previewed Paul McCartney’s album The Boys of Dungeon Lane, due May 29, 2026, marking the first SNL musical guest spot in 14 years.

Summary

McCartney Credits Finale

Lorne Michaels granted Paul McCartney the privilege of playing out the Season 51 finale.
Only U2 has received the same extended credit-roll treatment on SNL.
U2’s 2004 appearance featured “I Will Follow” promoting “How to Dismantle and Atomic Bomb.”
In 2009 U2 again played past the credits, closing with “Ultraviolet (Light My Way).”
Fans on Instagram and Reddit emphasized the honor’s scarcity, saying it reflects SNL’s tradition of honoring iconic musicians.

Summary

Ferrell Hosts Finale

Comedian Will Ferrell hosted the Season 51 finale on May 16, 2026.
James Austin Johnson played U.S. President Donald Trump while Will Ferrell portrayed Jeffrey Epstein.
Jeremy Culhane, Colin Jost and Aziz Ansari cameoed as JD Vance, Pete Hegseth and Kash Patel, while Molly Shannon returned for “Cast List 2.”
Paul McCartney played mechanic Nigel alongside Will Ferrell and Marcello Hernández.
The finale aired at 11:30 PM ET, with Season 52 set for late September or early October 2026.

History

Historical Context

Since its 1975 debut, Saturday Night Live has showcased live musical guests, a tradition cemented when U2 broke the closing-credit rule on February 20 2004, earning 12.5 million viewers after Lorne Michaels approved a 30-second extra roll. The May 16 2026 Paul McCartney finale repeats that precedent, underscoring SNL’s long-standing role in honoring iconic musicians for television audiences.

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McCartney SNL Return

Paul McCartney performed “Days We Left Behind,” “Band on the Run,” and “Coming Up” on Saturday Night Live’s finale on May 16, 2026, with Chad Smith on drums.
Paul McCartney appeared with Will Ferrell and Marcello Hernández in a cold-open and car-mechanic sketch.
The appearance previewed Paul McCartney’s album The Boys of Dungeon Lane, due May 29, 2026, marking the first SNL musical guest spot in 14 years.

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