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Will Ferrell Hosts SNL Finale with McCartney, Trump Sketch

5/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Will Ferrell hosted the Saturday Night Live finale on May 16, 2026, with Paul McCartney as musical guest.
Chad Smith crashed Will Ferrell’s opening monologue, joking he was the host.
James Austin Johnson played U.S. President Donald Trump in a sketch that also featured Will Ferrell as Jeffrey Epstein.
Show revived “Cast List 2” with Molly Shannon and “What It Feels Like to Talk to a Mechanic,” in which Paul McCartney played mechanic Nigel.

History

Historical Context

Saturday Night Live debuted on NBC on October 11 1975, created by Lorne Michaels and launched with the “Not Ready for Prime-Time Players” cast—including Chevy Chase, John Belushi and Gilda Radner. Its live sketch comedy and political satire—later targeting figures like George H. W. Bush and Donald Trump—has produced over 970 episodes, paving the way for a 2026 finale that lampoons contemporary controversies.

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Story summary

Will Ferrell hosted the Saturday Night Live finale on May 16, 2026, with Paul McCartney as musical guest.
Chad Smith crashed Will Ferrell’s opening monologue, joking he was the host.
James Austin Johnson played U.S. President Donald Trump in a sketch that also featured Will Ferrell as Jeffrey Epstein.
Show revived “Cast List 2” with Molly Shannon and “What It Feels Like to Talk to a Mechanic,” in which Paul McCartney played mechanic Nigel.

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