Saturday Night Live Premieres Season 51 with Bad Bunny Hosting, New Cast Debuts

Saturday Night Live (SNL) premiered its 51st season on October 4, 2025, with Bad Bunny hosting and Doja Cat as the musical guest, continuing the show's tradition of combining fresh talent with veteran performers. The season features a significant cast overhaul, introducing five new featured players—Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska—while retaining key veterans like Kenan Thompson, Michael Che, Colin Jost, and Bowen Yang. Several longtime cast members, including Heidi Gardner, Ego Nwodim, Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, and Emil Wakim, departed ahead of the season, reflecting SNL's ongoing strategy of rejuvenation to appeal to a younger audience. Bad Bunny, marking his second time as host and fourth overall appearance, showcased notable comedic growth and addressed cultural representation during the premiere. Upcoming episodes will feature hosts such as Amy Poehler and Sabrina Carpenter, with the season expected to blend political satire, current events, and celebrity-driven sketches. This season also highlights the continued influence of Please Don't Destroy member Ben Marshall, now officially part of the cast, despite the departure of fellow member John Higgins.