First on LateNighter: Preliminary ratings are in for Sabrina Carpenter’s Saturday Night Live hosting debut—and they spell both good and bad news for the latest episode of the legendary sketch show.
Per Nielsen Live + Same Day data, the pop star’s hosting debut drew 3.98 million total viewers and 798,000 adults 18–49 for its October 18 episode.
The numbers represent a 2.2% drop in total viewers but a 10.7% increase in the advertiser-coveted demo from last week’s episode, hosted by Amy Poehler with musical guest Role Model (4.07 million viewers, 791,000 in 18–49).
The show’s live broadcast aired 12 minutes later than usual due to a college football overrun earlier in the evening.
Expect all of these numbers to grow as delayed linear viewing data comes in over the coming days and weeks. (For example: per Nielsen, last week’s episode gained an additional 1.9 million total viewers in the three days following its broadcast, with the show’s Live +3 figures topping out at 6 million total viewers, while its numbers in the demo increased by over 60% to 1.3 million.)
It’s also worth noting that linear ratings are just one piece of the pie, especially among younger viewers. Live + Same Day data does not include live viewing on Peacock, nor does it take into account the show’s YouTube views.
The episode marked Carpenter’s third appearance on a regular SNL episode—she was the show’s musical guest for the Season 49 finale, and had a cameo in Quinta Brunson’s episode last season. She was also a billed performer on the show’s three-hour prime time 50th anniversary special last February, performing with Paul Simon and appearing in the special’s Domingo sketch.
She reprised her role as a member of “the kelsquad” in this week’s new Domingo sketch, which opened the night, upending SNL‘s recent tradition of political cold opens. The weekend’s episode also made news after Carpenter dropped two f-bombs during her performance of “Nobody’s Son.”
SNL is off this weekend. The show returns with the first episode of a new three-episode cycle Nov. 1, with host Miles Teller and musical guest Brandi Carlile.
Episode-by-episode Nielsen ratings charts for SNL‘s 51st season follow below:
Live+SD Ratings – All Viewers (P2+)
| Date | Host / Music Guest | Avg Viewers (000’s) | Avg Share % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/18/25 | Sabrina Carpenter | 3,978 | 13.98 |
| 10/11/25 | Amy Poehler / Role Model | 4,067 | 13.31 |
| 10/4/25 | Bad Bunny / Doja Cat | 4,405 | 14.42 |
Live+SD Ratings – In the Demo (P18-49)
| Date | Host / Music Guest | Avg Viewers (000s) | Avg Share % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/18/25 | Sabrina Carpenter | 876 | 13.98 |
| 10/11/25 | Amy Poehler / Role Model | 791 | 11.59 |
| 10/4/25 | Bad Bunny / Doja Cat | 926 | 13.78 |
Ratings Data © The Nielsen Company, used under license.
You accidentally put 2024 in the final ratings charts.
right you are. thanks, fixed…
But, but, but… she was so edgy!
She made a break from being a Disney kid and is sexy now!
She danced around in her underwear with her ass out and said fuck twice!
It sucked. The entire show and I had enjoyed last year very much.
It was a disgusting show. Didn’t watch after the SNL News.
it was boring tbh. usually SNL packs a punch. mediocre singing and nothing funny this time. I miss Ego Nwodim. right now Bowen, Colin and Che are the funny ones. I always at least listen to Weekend Update but this time …meh. I’m not a man but I truly think Sabrina Carpenter, whoever she is, thinks she’s sexier than maybe guys consider her. I honestly fell asleep before the end. snoooze…
It was a horrible show, just like the Bad Bunny Show. I left both shows could not watch them they were so bad. Sorry Lorne Michaels, its time to pull the plug! Go now when you can. the 5 New people can’t mend what is
broken!! Bad writers and bad actors!! An old fan from day one Linda Fray I didn’t think I would ever say ditch this show now!!