SNL Season 51 Returns With Big Names and Bold Changes
The wait is almost over— Saturday Night Live is gearing up for its 51st season, and the buzz is already electric. NBC has unveiled the October lineup, and it’s a mix of fresh energy and beloved familiarity. The season premiere on October 4 will be headlined by global superstar Bad Bunny, who’s back for his second time as host. He’ll be joined by musical guest Doja Cat, marking her first-ever SNL appearance. Bad Bunny isn’t a stranger to Studio 8H, though. He’s already delivered as both host and performer in the past, and earlier this year, he closed out Season 50 as the musical guest alongside Scarlett Johansson.
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The excitement doesn’t stop there. The October 11 episode will bring back one of the show’s most iconic alumni, Amy Poehler. Fans remember her years anchoring Weekend Update and playing unforgettable characters, and now she’s returning for her third hosting gig. She’ll be joined by the artist Role Model, who will serve as that night’s musical guest. The following week, on October 18, Sabrina Carpenter will take on the rare double duty of both host and musical guest. While she’s no stranger to the SNL stage—having performed in cameos and musical appearances—this will be her first time hosting. Carpenter herself joked online about the news, writing that the show might “regret this,” but her fans couldn’t be more thrilled.
Of course, this season isn’t just about the guest stars. Behind the scenes, SNL has gone through a significant cast shake-up. Several longtime members, including Ego Nwodim and Heidi Gardner, have stepped away. Their departures follow those of Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, and Emil Wakim. Saying goodbye is always tough, and creator Lorne Michaels even admitted that change is “hard.” Still, he was quick to add that change also keeps the show alive, and he expressed real excitement about the new talent joining the ensemble.
Five fresh faces are stepping onto the stage this fall: Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska. Some come from the world of stand-up, others from TikTok and online comedy, but all of them represent the next generation of SNL performers. With these new voices mixing in alongside veterans like Kenan Thompson—who’s now entering his unbelievable 22nd season—the balance of fresh energy and classic presence could give Season 51 a unique flavor.
This new lineup also arrives at a moment when late-night television is under unusual pressure. ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel’s show after controversial comments, and CBS canceled Stephen Colbert’s Late Show earlier this summer, sparking accusations of political pressure. Even NBC has faced calls from Donald Trump to cancel its late-night programming. That makes SNL ’s return even more anticipated. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see whether the show continues its tradition of sharp political satire.
So, starting October 4, the lights of Studio 8H will be back on, the band will strike up, and the voices shouting “Live from New York!” will ring out once again. Whether it’s Bad Bunny bringing star power, Amy Poehler returning to her roots, or Sabrina Carpenter showing off her versatility, Season 51 is shaping up to be one to watch.
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