After a jam-packed 50th anniversary celebration, âSaturday Night Liveâ is officially moving into its next era. Yes, Season 51 is set to premiere on Saturday, October 4, 2025, on NBC and Peacock, and the internet already canât get enough. While the full cast roster and host lineup are still under wraps, thereâs one thing we know. The sketch comedy favorite isnât slowing down anytime soon, and by the looks of it, is just getting started.
Letâs break down whatâs confirmed, whatâs still up in the air, and what fans should keep their eyes on as âSNLâ gears up for another season of live laughs.
When Does ‘SNL’ Season 51 Premiere?
NBC confirmed that “Saturday Night Live” will return to Studio 8H on Saturday, October 4. As always, it will air live at 11:30/10:30c on NBC and stream the next day on Peacock.
The premiere date lines up with previous fall launches:
- Season 50: September 28, 2024
- Season 49: October 14, 2023
- Season 48: October 1, 2022
So, if you’re the type to mark your calendar or are like us and set five reminders in your phone, go ahead and circle that first Saturday in October. Itâs happening, yâall!
As for the host and musical guest? NBC hasnât announced them yet, but expect a buzzy name to kick things off, especially after Scarlett Johansson closed out last season with a historic seventh appearance and sketches alongside Bad Bunny. Something tells us Adam Sandler might make a comeback, especially after âHappy Gilmore 2â has been making the rounds.
But hey, that’s just our prediction!
Who’s In & Who Might Be Out
The official cast list hasnât dropped. Womp, womp. But hereâs what we do know.
SNL ended Season 50 with a solid crew of 17 performers:
Repertory players:
- Michael Che
- Mikey Day
- Andrew Dismukes
- Chloe Fineman
- Heidi Gardner
- Marcello Hernández
- James Austin Johnson
- Colin Jost
- Michael Longfellow
- Ego Nwodim
- Sarah Sherman
- Kenan Thompson (Duh!)
- Devon Walker
- Bowen Yang
Featured players:
- Ashley Padilla
- Emil Wakim
- Jane Wickline
Che and Jost are still holding it down as Weekend Update co-anchors. Weâre pretty sure these two are safe, since they are breaking records as the longest-tenured duo in that segmentâs history.
But âSNLâsâ cast can be a game of musical chairs. Have we forgotten about Kate McKinnon? That one still hurts!
Showrunner Lorne Michaels typically waits until late summer to finalize the roster. According to Deadline, Michaels is reportedly leaning toward character-driven performers for new additions, not traditional stand-up comics, though that casting process is famously âfluid and unpredictable.â
So far, no official departures have been announced, but a few exits are expected. Not a mass exodus like Season 47âs eight-player farewell (!!!). But donât be shocked if one or two familiar faces donât return. (All eyes are on Thompson, as always.)
What Can Fans Expect From Season 51?
Season 50 was packed with nostalgia and high-profile cameos. We had Andy Samberg, Maya Rudolph, and Ariana Grande, to name a few. Letâs not forget that massive three-hour live special that doubled as a concert and cast reunion. Season 51, though? Itâs back to business, reportedly. Weâll have sketches, parodies, musicals, cold opens, and all the unpredictable, unfiltered moments that make âSNLâ must-see TV.
The premiere will likely lean into the upcoming election season, because well, they know thatâs what hits the most. Expect political impressions, campaign trail chaos, and a fresh batch of “Weekend Update” jabs aimed at both sides. Also, ‘SNL’ typically welcomes back at least one former cast member as host early in the season.
Bill Hader, we are looking at you! But hey, nothing’s confirmed yet.
Stay tuned, because once the host is announced, itâll be game on. And knowing âSNL,â theyâll make sure the new season starts with a bang, not a whisper.
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