The GUTS tour might be winding down, but Olivia Rodrigo is just getting started with her next era. In a move that has the internet buzzing, the three-time Grammy winner is heading back to Studio 8H—and this time, she’s taking over the whole building.
Here is everything you need to know about Olivia Rodrigo’s highly anticipated Saturday Night Live double-duty debut, her rumored new music, and how you can catch every second of the action.
Olivia Rodrigo Pulls Double Duty in Season 51
Mark your calendars for May 2, 2026, because Olivia Rodrigo is officially joining the elite club of stars who have both hosted and performed as the musical guest in a single night. This marks a major milestone for the singer, appearing in Episode 18 of Season 51.
When the news first broke, Olivia didn’t hide her excitement, taking to Instagram to share the SNL announcement card with the caption: “Massive dream come true. See you soon NYC.”
While this marks her third time on the SNL stage—following her “drivers license” debut in 2021 and her high-energy “vampire” performance in 2023—it is her first time leading the show as the host. Fans are already speculating which of her signature “angsty teen turned pop icon” tropes the writers will lean into.
New Music on the Horizon?
The timing couldn’t be more perfect. Olivia recently released her latest single, “Drop Dead,” which she has been teasing on social media with cryptic, moody clips. In one, she stared out a train window with the caption “it’s feminine intuition,” leading fans to believe she’ll be bringing that same sharp, self-aware energy to the host’s monologue.
The track is the lead single from her upcoming third studio album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, slated for release on June 12. The SNL stage is the perfect place for Olivia to give fans the first live performance of her new material.
The Final Sprint: Only Three Episodes Left
Olivia is kicking off a massive three-week sprint to the Season 51 finish line. This episode is the third to last of the season, leading into a star-studded finale run. With only three episodes left, the momentum is building:
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May 2: Olivia Rodrigo (Host & Musical Guest)
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May 9: Academy Award winner Matt Damon returns to host for the third time, joined by musical guest Noah Kahan. This will be the second to last episode of the season.
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May 16 (Season Finale): SNL royalty Will Ferrell hosts for his sixth time, with the legendary Paul McCartney as the musical guest.
How to Watch Olivia Rodrigo on SNL
Don’t want to miss the viral moments as they happen? Here is the breakdown:
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When: Saturday, May 2, 2026.
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Time: 11:30 PM ET / 8:30 PM PT.
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TV: Tune in live on NBC.
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Streaming: You can stream the episode live on Peacock. If you miss the live broadcast, the full episode and individual sketches are usually available on Peacock and the SNL YouTube channel the following morning.
Whether you’re there for the sketches or the “all-American bitch” energy of her live performances, May 2 is shaping up to be the biggest night in late-night TV this year. Get your popcorn ready!
For more coverage on the final episodes of the season and other TV highlights, visit our Legacy TV section. Stay tuned to Scope Weekly for more updates on Season 51 and the latest in entertainment news.
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