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SNL Season 51 Finale Features Host Will Ferrell and Musical Guest Paul McCartney

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The 51st Season of Saturday Night Live Concludes

The 51st season of Saturday Night Live concluded on May 16 with Will Ferrell as host and Paul McCartney as musical guest. The episode featured a monologue with look-alike appearances, guest sketches, and three musical performances. The upcoming Season 52 will premiere in the fall on NBC and Peacock.

Opening Segments

Cold Open

The episode began with James Austin Johnson portraying President Donald Trump. Ferrell appeared as the ghost of Jeffrey Epstein, who presented Trump with visions of the future. The sketch included portrayals of Pete Hegseth (played by Colin Jost), FBI Director Kash Patel (Aziz Ansari), and former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Ferrell and Johnson performed a duet.

Monologue

Ferrell began his monologue, but was interrupted by Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, who claimed to be the host, referencing a long-standing public observation of their resemblance. Ferrell then asked Smith to leave.

Ferrell introduced a question-and-answer segment with the audience, during which McCartney, seated in the audience, approached the stage and also claimed to be the host.

McCartney suggested Ferrell play drums. Ferrell listed 17 songs McCartney wrote and then listed songs McCartney did not write, including "the alphabet song," Pitbull's "Timber," and Smash Mouth songs.

Sketches

McCartney appeared in a sketch set at a car repair shop, playing a mechanic named Nigel. The sketch featured Ferrell, Marcello Hernández, Mikey Day, and Ashley Padilla.

Weekend Update
Colin Jost and Michael Che performed a joke swap, each reading jokes written by the other that they had not seen before.

Musical Performances

McCartney performed three songs:

  • "Days We Left Behind" (from his upcoming album The Boys of Dungeon Lane)
  • "Band on the Run" (Wings)
  • "Coming Up" (from his 1980 album McCartney II)

The third performance, an encore of "Coming Up," occurred during the cast goodnights. Chad Smith played drums for this performance. Smith also served as a surprise drummer for McCartney's first two performances.

Upcoming Projects

Ferrell's next project is the Netflix golf comedy The Hawk, premiering July 16. McCartney's album The Boys of Dungeon Lane is scheduled for release on May 29. Saturday Night Live will return for its 52nd season in the fall.