Saturday Night Live is taking a three-week hiatus during the 2026 Winter Olympics, leaving fans without their favorite late-night sketch show tonight. NBC preempted the entire SNL schedule to broadcast live coverage of the games in Milan Cortina. But fear not, the show will return with a star-studded episode on February 28.
🔥 Quick Facts
- SNL Dark Tonight: No new episode due to Winter Olympics coverage starting February 6.
- Return Date: Saturday, February 28 at 11:30 PM ET on NBC and Peacock.
- Host: Connor Storrie, breakout star of HBO Max’s “Heated Rivalry”, making his SNL debut.
- Musical Guest: Mumford & Sons, the legendary British folk rock band, returns to the stage.
Why SNL is Missing Tonight
America’s Next Top Model documentary drops today on Netflix with shocking revelations
Dana Eden dies at 52, Tehran producer found dead in Athens hotel
NBC has cleared out its entire late-night lineup this month to prioritize coverage of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. The games run from February 6 through 22, dominating prime time and late-night slots. Not only SNL is affected, but also The Tonight Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and other late-night programs face temporary cancellations. NBC will air live Olympic events across multiple channels and streaming on Peacock throughout the entire two-week span.
This is the second Olympic hiatus the show has experienced in recent years, but fans have grown accustomed to the network’s commitment to broadcasting the international sporting event. The Winter Olympics take priority over regular programming, and SNL producers understand this scheduling conflict well in advance.
Connor Storrie’s Hot SNL Debut
Tommy Lee Jones’ daughter was pregnant before her tragic death, court docs reveal
J Cole announces The Fall-Off world tour, first global dates in decades
Connor Storrie is about to make his Saturday Night Live hosting debut on February 28, and the actor could not be more thrilled. The Texas-born star, famous for playing the brooding hockey player Ilya Rozanov in HBO Max’s “Heated Rivalry,” expressed his excitement about landing the gig. “I am literally the luckiest person in the world,” Storrie stated in an official announcement. His debut will mark the 1001st episode of SNL, making it a historic moment for the show as well.
Storrie’s star has been rising rapidly since the release of the critically acclaimed queer romance series. The Canadian actor’s charm and comedic timing make him a perfect fit for SNL’s fast-paced sketch comedy format. Industry insiders are eager to see how he navigates the live broadcast environment and interacts with the SNL cast members.
Mumford & Sons Return to Studio 8H
Mumford & Sons will serve as the musical guest for Storrie’s debut episode, bringing their signature folk-rock sound to Studio 8H. The legendary British band has a storied history with SNL and consistently delivers memorable performances. Their inclusion alongside Storrie’s hosting debut promises to create a well-rounded and entertaining evening on February 28.
| Detail | Information |
| Air Date | Saturday, February 28, 2026 |
| Time | 11:30 PM ET (10:30 PM CT) |
| Host | Connor Storrie |
| Musical Guest | Mumford & Sons |
“Saturday Night Live is on a break during the 2026 Olympics, but the show will be back with a first-time host set to heat things up soon enough.”
— Entertainment Weekly, SNL Coverage
What to Expect When SNL Returns
After a three-week absence, SNL fans will be hungry for new content and fresh sketches. Storrie’s debut promises to deliver high-energy comedy mixed with Mumford & Sons’ polished musical performances. The SNL cast will likely incorporate references to the Winter Olympics and current pop culture moments that unfolded during the hiatus. Expect sharp writing, hilarious character work, and surprise celebrity appearances that have become hallmarks of SNL’s season format.
NBC announced the lineup weeks in advance to build anticipation during the Olympic broadcast period. Storrie’s hosting gig represents the show’s commitment to featuring breakthrough talent from beloved television series. The combination of his rising star power and Mumford & Sons’ staying power should deliver a compelling episode.
How to Watch SNL’s Big Return on February 28
Fans can catch Connor Storrie’s debut live on NBC at 11:30 PM Eastern Time on Saturday, February 28. The episode will also stream the next day on Peacock, allowing viewers with busy schedules to catch up. Those with cable subscriptions can watch live or record the episode on their DVRs for later viewing. NBC Insider and the official SNL social media accounts will provide live updates and behind-the-scenes content throughout the night. Mark your calendars now, because this episode will be one of the most anticipated broadcasts of the season.
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.