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Kate McKinnon to Host SNL on December 16, Billie Eilish to Perform

McKinnon — who was an SNL cast member for 10 years (across 11 seasons) — will make her hosting debut on December 16. 

By Christopher Rosa

Fans were devastated to see Kate McKinnon leave Saturday Night Live after 10 years and 11 hilarious seasons — so they'll be pleased to know she's set to return to Studio 8H, this time as a first-time Host, on December 16, 2023. And if that's not exciting enough, she'll be joined by an iconic musical guest. 

How to Watch

Watch Saturday Night Live Saturdays at 11:30/10:30c on NBC and next day on Peacock.  

Read details, below. 

Who is hosting SNL on December 16, 2023? 

Kate McKinnon. 

RELATED: Every Host for SNL Season 49

McKinnon rose to fame as a cast member on SNL, appearing from 2012 to 2022 across 11 seasons. Along the way she picked up two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (in 2016 and 2017). She's been nominated in that category a total of nine times. 

On why she decided to leave SNL, McKinnon said on Live with Kelly and Ryan, "I thought about it for a very long time, and it was very, very hard because all I ever wanted to do in my whole life was be on Saturday Night Live, and so I did. I loved it. I had the best decade, and then I was just like, my body was tired, and I felt like it was time."

A side by side of Kate McKinnon and Billie Eilish

Kellywise

Porch Scene

Close Encounter

Another Close Encounter

Who is the SNL musical guest on December 16, 2023? 

Billie Eilish. 

RELATED: Every Musical Guest for SNL Season 49

Eilish will make her third musical appearance on SNL December 16, 2023, having first performed in 2019 and then again in 2021 (where she pulled double duty as Host and musical guest). 

She first achieved massive success with the release of her 2019 album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, which contained the viral single "Bad Guy." At the 2020 Grammys, Eilish swept the house, taking home Best Pop Vocal Album and Album of the Year for When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, plus Record of the Year and Song of the Year for "Bad Guy." She released her second album, Happier Than Ever, in 2021, which was nominated for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album. 

Her song for the Barbie movie soundtrack, "What Was I Made For?," became a hit in 2023 and earned five Grammy nominations, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year.