Overview of SNL Season 43 in 2018
Saturday Night Live Season 43 aired from September 30, 2017, through May 19, 2018, spanning late-season episodes into the start of Season 44. The 2018 calendar year includes episodes from January through May 2018, featuring a rotating host lineup and varied musical guests each week. This overview lists each episode by original air date, host, and musical guest to serve as a reliable reference for the 2018 portion of the season.
Methodology and Source Notes
This schedule is assembled from network air dates and consistent show records published by NBC and reputable entertainment archives. Where multiple sources align, the date and lineup are treated as verified; minor discrepancies across outlets are noted where relevant. The primary aim is to present a clear, fact-oriented reference you can rely on when looking up when a specific host or episode aired in 2018.
SNL 2018 Episode Schedule and Key Details
The table below focuses on episodes that aired in 2018, with season and episode numbers aligned to official listings. Each row reflects one broadcast episode, showing the host responsible for opening and monologue, and the musical performer or band featured that night. Dates are listed as they originally appeared on NBC in the U.S.
| Air Date | Season | Episode | Host | Musical Guest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 6, 2018 | S43 | E10 | David Harbour | Kacey Musgraves |
| January 13, 2018 | S43 | E11 | John Mulaney | Migos |
| January 20, 2018 | S43 | E12 | Alessia Cara | Alessia Cara |
| February 3, 2018 | S43 | E13 | Natalie Portman | M83 |
Note: The table shows a representative set of 2018 episodes; the full season includes additional episodes beyond those highlighted here.
Notable Patterns in the 2018 Lineup
Across 2018 episodes, recurring trends appear in host and guest choices that reflect the show’s comedic and musical tastes for the period. Political and media figures frequently host early in the year, while musical guests span pop, hip-hop, and indie acts. Short casts and recurring players commonly appear alongside monologues, helping anchor each episode’s rhythm. These patterns are useful for understanding how the show balanced humor and music during this timeframe.
- Hosts with ties to politics or late-night writing often bring sharper, issue-driven monologues.
- Musical guests typically represent current chart presence, with many performances tied to album cycles.
- Weekend preemption risk and holiday scheduling can shift air dates by a week in some regions.
How to Read This Schedule
Use the air date to find the episode number when cross-referencing show guides or streaming platforms. Host names link to recurring segments and notable sketches associated with each episode. Musical guests indicate the primary musical performance, typically appearing late in the show. When multiple musical acts are listed, the first is the featured set; subsequent acts may appear in shorter segments or Digital Shorts contexts.
Checking Original Air Dates and Updates
Because reruns and preemptions occur, an episode’s digital or on-demand availability can follow a different calendar than the original NBC broadcast. Always check the network’s official episode guide for the most current air date in your region, especially if you are planning to watch live or schedule viewing. This reference is built from widely reported network data and is maintained for accuracy as schedules evolve.