Saturday Night Live (SNL), the iconic sketch comedy show, has been a late-night staple on American television since its debut on NBC on October 11, 1975. With its blend of topical humor, celebrity hosts, and memorable characters, SNL has captivated audiences for over 45 seasons. If you’re looking to catch the latest episodes or revisit classic sketches, you might be wondering, “What Channel Is Snl On?” This guide provides a comprehensive overview of where to find SNL, both live and on-demand.
NBC: The Home of Saturday Night Live
SNL airs on NBC every Saturday night at 11:30 PM EST. NBC is available as a local affiliate station in most basic cable packages. To watch SNL live, ensure your cable or satellite subscription includes your regional NBC station.
You can also access NBC with an over-the-air (OTA) digital antenna, provided you’re within range of an NBC affiliate’s broadcast signal. Websites like AntennaWeb.org can help you determine which local stations are available over-the-air in your area.
Streaming Options for Watching SNL
If you’re a cord-cutter or prefer streaming, several options allow you to watch SNL.
Peacock
Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming platform, offers both live and on-demand access to SNL. While some content is available for free, a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus subscription is required for full access.
- Peacock Premium: ($5.99/month) Stream SNL episodes the day after they air.
- Peacock Premium Plus: ($11.99/month) Watch SNL episodes live as they broadcast.
Peacock also features a vast library of classic SNL sketches and episodes.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV includes NBC in its lineup of over 85 channels for $72.99/month. As a streaming alternative to cable, YouTube TV offers unlimited DVR storage to record SNL and other shows. YouTube TV is compatible with most streaming devices, tablets, computers, and mobile devices.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV offers a live streaming television option with over 70 channels, including NBC, for $76.99/month. Subscribers can watch SNL live on NBC and access a large on-demand library featuring past SNL episodes. Hulu + Live TV also provides cloud DVR storage to record the latest SNL season.
Sling TV
Sling TV offers two packages: Sling Blue and Sling Orange. Sling Blue ($40/month) includes NBC stations and 50 hours of DVR storage for recording shows. Sling apps are available for most devices and platforms.
FuboTV
FuboTV focuses on sports and entertainment, including NBC and over 100 additional channels, starting at $74.99/month. FuboTV also offers the Fubo Extra add-on package for more on-demand comedy content.
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream offers plans with live NBC access. The Entertainment package ($79.99/month) includes over 75 live channels, encompassing NBC, on-demand programming, and unlimited hours of DVR storage.
Watching SNL Without Cable
If you don’t have a cable or streaming subscription, here are some alternative strategies:
- Locast: Locast.org offers free streaming access to local broadcast stations like NBC in select US media markets.
- Hulu or YouTube: Check if new SNL episodes temporarily appear on Hulu (free plan) or YouTube the day after airing.
- Free trials: Utilize free trials for streaming services like DirecTV Stream, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, Peacock Premium, and YouTube TV.
- Split the cost of streaming TV: Share a streaming login with a friend or family member.
- Viewing party: Search Meetup.com for local SNL viewing events.
How to Watch Classic SNL Episodes & Skits
Peacock Premium offers the most comprehensive back catalog of vintage SNL episodes and curated compilations. Other sources include:
- NBC Website/App: NBC.com and the NBC app feature select full episodes from past SNL seasons.
- Hulu: Past SNL episodes occasionally surface on Hulu.
- YouTube: Numerous official SNL YouTube channels showcase iconic sketches.
- DVD/Blu-Ray: Invest in DVD/Blu-Ray box sets collecting full seasons.
Additional Ways to Watch SNL
- On-Demand: Many cable/satellite providers offer SNL episodes on-demand for 1-2 weeks post-airing.
- Roku Channel: The Roku Channel recently added next-day access to new SNL episodes.
- IMDb TV: Amazon’s free ad-supported streaming service, IMDb TV, presents select recent SNL episodes on-demand.
- OTA antenna/tuner: Use an over-the-air antenna and HD tuner to stream NBC live airings of SNL.
What Channel is SNL on DirecTV?
SNL airs on NBC, which is available on DirecTV on:
- Channel 3 or 1903: For HD viewing of your local NBC affiliate.
- Channel 206: For the national NBC “West” feed in SD.
- Channel 1206: For the national NBC “West” feed in HD.
What Channel is SNL on Time Warner Cable (Spectrum)?
SNL airs on your local NBC affiliate channel on Time Warner Cable (Spectrum). Check the following channels:
- Channel 3 or 703: For HD viewing of your local NBC affiliate.
- Channel 8 or 1008: For SD viewing of your NBC affiliate.
Saturday Night Live on YouTube
- SNL Official YouTube Channel: NBC’s SNL has an official YouTube channel with select sketches and clips.
- Live Stream on YouTube TV: Subscribe to YouTube TV to live stream SNL episodes as they air on NBC.
- Peacock YouTube Channel: Peacock also has a YouTube channel with clips from SNL episodes.
Conclusion
With numerous options available, watching SNL has never been easier. Whether you prefer traditional cable, streaming services, or over-the-air antennas, you can find a way to tune in to NBC every Saturday night and enjoy the latest episodes of Saturday Night Live. Don’t forget to explore Peacock’s extensive archive for classic sketches and memorable moments from SNL’s rich history. So, get ready to laugh along with the iconic sketch comedy show that has been entertaining audiences for decades.
