The Saturday Night Live Christmas Special that aired on December 18th found itself upstaged by a most unwelcome guest: COVID-19 and the fast-spreading Omicron variant. America’s longest-running sketch comedy show has been a model of how to carry on through the quarantine and slow re-opening of society but the newest variant was more than even the strictest security protocols could control.
Just hours before SNL expected to go live with host Paul Rudd and musical guest Charli XCX, the show took to Twitter, announcing that it would have to run without a live audience and with a limited cast and crew.
“Due to the recent spike in the Omicron variant and out of an abundance of caution, there will be no live audience for tonight’s taping of ‘Saturday Night Live,'” the tweet read.
“hi everyone. due to the limited crew at tonight’s taping of snl my musical performances will no longer be able to go ahead,” said Charli XCX in a statement of her own. “I am devastated and heartbroken … it can’t happen this time but I’ll be back! i am currently safe and healthy but of course very sad.”
Due to the fact that Christmas falls on a Saturday in 2021, Saturday Night Live will not air an episode this weekend. In light of the recent unfortunate events surrounding the show, Live For Live Music compiled a list of the top 30 SNL Christmas moments, saluting the live music, laughs, and joy the show has provided millions of viewers over the years. SNL has hosted countless holiday-themed live music performances over the years, but it’s the creative original songs and skits that have left the biggest mark and sparked endless laughter.
Without further ado, click below to check out our list of 30 Saturday Night Live Christmas moments to satisfy your late-night (or even drowsy-afternoon-after-opening-presents) sketch comedy and musical cravings… live… on tape… because it’s Christmas Saturday Night!