Fans of Saturday Night Live expressed their frustration during the delay of the episode on October 18, 2025, featuring host Sabrina Carpenter. Originally slated to start at 11:30 PM ET on NBC, the broadcast was postponed due to an overrun of college football coverage.
Delayed Episode: Fan Reactions
As fans awaited the show, they turned to social media to share their disappointment. The official SNL Twitter account notified viewers of the delay, stating, “We’re starting a little late due to college football. We’ll be live at 11:42!” However, this explanation did little to alleviate viewers’ anger.
Social Media Outcry
- One fan tweeted, “SNL isn’t SNL if it’s not Live!”
- Another exclaimed, “WHY IS SNL LIKE 10 MINUTES LATE?”
- Fans expressed concerns about potential cuts to Carpenter’s performance. “snl cutting sabrina carpenters monologue super short bc of the college football delay,” one user warned.
- Many raised concerns about Peacock possibly ending the show early due to the delay.
Sabrina Carpenter’s Return
Sabrina Carpenter, 26, made her hosting debut on the show after a previous appearance as a musical guest in May 2024. In that episode, she performed her popular songs “Espresso” and “Feather/Nonsense” and participated in a “Scooby-Doo” sketch. She also returned in February 2025 for SNL’s 50th Anniversary Special, where she showcased a duet with Paul Simon.
Promotional Build-Up
Leading up to her hosting, Carpenter captured attention with a promotional video. Channeling Carrie Bradshaw, she remarked, “New York is one big apple, and I’m taking my bite at Saturday Night Live.” With her curly hair mimicking Bradshaw’s style, she generated excitement among her fans.
College Football Impact
The delay stemmed from a college football game, particularly the match between Notre Dame and the University of Southern California. Notre Dame triumphed, winning the game by a ten-point margin. This sporting event pushed back the start of the SNL episode, frustrating viewers who were eager to see Carpenter’s comedic talents.
