Glen Powell is hosting Saturday Night Live for the first time on November 15, 2025. The Top Gun: Maverick actor calls it “the peak of the mountain.” Musical guest Olivia Dean makes her SNL debut that same night. Powell’s latest film The Running Man hits theaters the same weekend.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Glen Powell makes his hosting debut on November 15 at 11:30 PM ET
- Olivia Dean, a Grammy-nominated UK artist, is the musical guest
- Powell has dreamed of hosting since childhood and previously made a cameo
- His film The Running Man premieres the same weekend
- Season 51, Episode 6 will air on NBC and Peacock
Powell’s Lifetime Dream Finally Comes True
Glen Powell couldn’t contain his excitement about hosting the iconic SNL stage. The 37-year-old actor has wanted this his entire life.
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“Hosting SNL has been a thing I’ve wanted to do my entire life,” Powell told PEOPLE magazine. “I’ve been waiting to be on that stage for as long as I can remember.”
“It’s really an iconic rite of passage that I just can’t wait for. There’s no stage I’ve dreamed about being on more than 30 Rock.”
For Powell, this moment ranks among his biggest career achievements ever. He has already had major success with Top Gun: Maverick, Twisters, and producing Hulu‘s Chad Powers.
The Last-Minute Nature of Live Comedy
Powell got a taste of the SNL experience in March 2024. He made a surprise cameo during Sydney Sweeney‘s hosting episode.
“I knew I was going to do a bit in her monologue,” he explained. “What I wasn’t expecting is probably 10 minutes before they shot it, they asked me to do another sketch.” Powell realized how unpredictable live television really is.
The actor deeply respects the show’s unique format and creative process. “In an era where everything is edited and curated, SNL is one of the last great performance things,” he said. “You see costumes, makeup, people creating characters out of nothing in one week.”
Why This Matters for Comedy Culture
SNL hosting debuts matter in pop culture. They represent a unique milestone for celebrities and entertainers worldwide.
Powell joins an elite group of major film stars. His success in blockbuster movies like Top Gun: Maverick and Hit Man has made him one of Hollywood’s biggest names. Hosting SNL shows his commitment to comedy and live performance.
Olivia Dean‘s debut is equally significant. The Grammy-nominated British singer has “Man I Need” climbing U.S. charts. Her appearance could launch her career in America, much like Adele‘s famous 2008 SNL debut.
Episode Details and How to Watch
Season 51, Episode 6 airs live on Saturday, November 15 at 11:30 PM ET. You can watch on NBC or stream the next day on Peacock.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host | Glen Powell (First-time) |
| Musical Guest | Olivia Dean (First-time) |
| Air Date | Saturday, November 15, 2025 |
| Time | 11:30 PM ET / 10:30 PM CT / 8:30 PM PT |
| Network | NBC Live + Peacock Next Day |
| Season/Episode | Season 51, Episode 6 |
This is the second consecutive week with two SNL debuts. Last week, comedian Nikki Glaser hosted with musical guest sombr.
What to Expect From Powell’s Big Night
Powell has show chops beyond acting. He’s charming, quick-witted, and knows how to handle comedy timing in sketches.
The promos have already shown his playful side. He recreated Christopher Walken‘s iconic dance from the “Weapon of Choice” music video. Powell appeared in elaborate sketches with cast members Bowen Yang and Marcello Hernández.
“Hosting SNL is a really wonderful moment when your childhood dreams get to come true,” Powell said. The pressure is real, but he’s ready. “Pressure’s a privilege. It is truly the peak of the mountain for me.”
Watch the official promo here:
Should You Be Excited About This Episode?
Glen Powell brings proven entertainment value to SNL. He’s comfortable in front of cameras and knows comedic timing.
Olivia Dean is one of music’s hottest emerging artists. Her breakthrough hit “Man I Need” dominated global charts. Her voice has been compared to Adele‘s haunting tone and emotional depth.
Will Powell’s debut become iconic? Will Dean’s performance boost her American music career? Tune in Saturday night to find out!
Sources
- PEOPLE Magazine – Glen Powell exclusive interview about SNL hosting debut
- USA TODAY – Feature on Powell’s SNL experience and last-minute nature of live TV
- NBC Insider – Complete details on November 15 SNL episode with cast and guest info
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.