Louie C.K.
“SNL” returns live on April 8 with host Louie C.K., pictured here on Jan. 18, 2015 in Pasadena, California. Getty Images

After a successful March 11 episode hosted by Scarlett Johansson, NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” will not air live this Saturday night. The comedy series will be taking a break a three-week break until April 8.

The series is known for taking a break towards the end of every month before heading into a new month and March is no different. When the series does return April 8, it will be hosted by comedian Louis C.K., who will be joined by musical guests The Chainsmokers.

Following C.K.’s episode, “SNL” will be doing something it has never done in the show’s 40-plus year history: air live across the country simultaneously. The final four episodes of Season 42 will air live in all time zones in the United States.

The live episodes will kick off on April 15 with show veteran Jimmy Fallon returning to host. Chris Pine will follow on May 6 followed by Melissa McCarthy on May 13 and Dwayne Johnson on May 20 for the season finale. Each of the final four episodes will air at 11:30 p.m. EDT, 10:30 p.m. CDT, 9:30 p.m. MDT and 8:30 p.m. PDT on NBC.

“‘SNL’ — enjoying its most popular season in two decades — is part of the national conversation, and we thought it would be a great idea to broadcast to the west and mountain time zones live at the same time it’s being seen in the east and central time zones,” said NBC Entertainment Chairman, Robert Greenblatt.

He added, “That way, everyone is in on the joke at the same time. Kudos to Lorne Michaels, the producers and cast for making ‘SNL’ one of the most relevant and anticipated shows in the zeitgeist.”

The series is enjoying its best season in eight years in the 18-49 demographic with a 3.57 rating. Season 42 has also been the most watched season in 24 years with 11.022 million viewers.

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