See Unsee summary
“Saturday Night Live” returns on October 4, 2025, for its highly anticipated 51st season on NBC, with fresh talent, some big-name hosts, and a slightly reshuffled cast. Bad Bunny kicks off the season, joined by Doja Cat. This new chapter for SNL arrives after significant changes behind the scenes.
A new season with bold opening acts
For its season premiere, SNL promises a lively start. Bad Bunny, who’s already proved himself a charismatic host in the past, returns to Studio 8H to open season 51. Paired with Doja Cat—appearing on the show for the first time as musical guest—the episode is already stirring expectations.
Bad Bunny’s energy and natural flair for sketch comedy blend surprisingly well with the quirky tone of SNL. His previous appearance showed that he’s more than a chart-topper—he’s also got comedic instincts. With Doja Cat added to the mix, known for her theatrical performances, this should be a spectacle as much as a comedy show.
The following week, on October 11, SNL embraces its own legacy. Amy Poehler, one of the show’s most beloved alumnae, returns to host for the third time—her second time solo. That already feels like a homecoming. Audiences still associate Poehler with some of SNL’s most iconic moments, and she tends to bring the best out of the current cast. She’ll be joined by musical guest Role Model, who’s slowly but surely building a name in the alternative pop scene. To read Pluribus finale shocks fans as season 2 faces long wait
Then comes October 18, which might be the most intriguing episode of the month: Sabrina Carpenter will pull double duty as both host and musical guest. These double slots are always a gamble, but when they work, they become unforgettable. Carpenter has been enjoying a career high lately, and SNL seems to believe she’s up for the challenge.
Major cast shakeups behind the scenes
A new SNL season always brings change, but season 51 marks one of the more significant transitions in recent years. Several familiar faces have departed, leaving room for a new generation of performers.
Departing cast members:
- Heidi Gardner
- Ego Nwodim
- Michael Longfellow
- Devon Walker
- Emil Wakim
Losing Heidi Gardner and Ego Nwodim hits particularly hard. Both had become dependable pillars of the show, blending character work and timing with impressive range. Their absence is going to be felt—and will put more pressure on the veterans to maintain consistency.
To balance these departures, five new featured players are stepping in: Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska. For longstanding fans, Ben Marshall’s name stands out—he’s one-third of the Please Don’t Destroy trio, which has been producing digital shorts for the show. Giving him an official spot in the cast suggests that SNL is doubling down on a younger, internet-savvy audience. To read Taylor Swift opens up in final Eras Tour docuseries episode
Returning cast, familiar faces
There’s some comfort in who’s sticking around. Kenan Thompson, as always, feels like the bedrock of the series—this will be his 23rd season, an incredible run for any performer. Alongside him are Colin Jost and Michael Che, still steering the Weekend Update desk, a duo that continues to polarize but undeniably anchors the show.
Other confirmed returning cast members include:
- Mikey Day
- Andrew Dismukes
- Chloe Fineman
- Marcello Hernandez
- James Austin Johnson
- Ashley Padilla
- Sarah Sherman
- Jane Wickline
- Bowen Yang
Notably, James Austin Johnson has become a reliable standout in political impressions—his take on Trump was one of the few recurring sketches that genuinely made me laugh out loud last season. And Chloe Fineman and Sarah Sherman continue to experiment with weird, often daring characters that keep sketches from ever feeling too safe.
Reading this new season’s blueprint, it’s clear SNL is trying to reformulate around energy, music, and a mix of legacy and new voices. That’s been the formula for decades, and every time it feels like the show might be losing steam, something unusual or brilliant comes along by surprise. Season 51 might just be one of those seasons.
