SNL Reveals First Season 51 Hosts

“Saturday Night Live” has revealed its first three hosts and musical guests for its 51st season, set to premiere on October 4, on NBC and Peacock. The season will kick off with Bad Bunny hosting and Doja Cat making her musical guest debut.

The following week, Amy Poehler will return as host for her second solo appearance and third overall. She will be joined by Role Model, who will make their first appearance as a musical guest.

On October 18, Sabrina Carpenter will serve as both host and musical guest. This marks Carpenter’s first time hosting and her second time performing on the show, having previously appeared during the “SNL50: The Anniversary Special” with a duet alongside Paul Simon.

Season 51 comes with major changes to the cast. Longtime members Ego Nwodim and Heidi Gardener have departed after seven and eight seasons, respectively. Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, and Emil Wakim have also left the series.

To fill the gaps, five new featured players are joining: stand-up comics Tommy Brennan and Kam Patterson, Jeremy Culhane from the Upright Citizens Brigade, social media comedian Veronika Slowikowska, and Ben Marshall, a staff writer and member of the comedy trio Please Don’t Destroy.

Executive producer Lorne Michaels confirmed the cast shake-ups earlier in August, explaining that changes were expected and announcements would follow before the season premiere. Michaels also confirmed that James Austin Johnson would return, and the show will continue to feature his Donald Trump impersonation.

Repertory players returning this season include Michael Che, Mikey Day, Andrew Dismukes, Chloe Fineman, Marcello Hernández, James Austin Johnson, Colin Jost, Sarah Sherman, Kenan Thompson, and Bowen Yang. Featured players include Ashley Padilla and Jane Wickline alongside the five new cast members.

The writing staff has seen significant departures as well. Celeste Yim, the show’s first openly trans, non-binary writer, left after five seasons. Rosebud Baker, John Higgins, and Steven Castillo, who had returned mid-season 49, also announced their departures. Castillo noted that his return was never meant to be long-term, and he joined to be part of the 50th season celebration.

Season 51 is expected to be a milestone for the show, scheduled to air its 1,000th episode during the 2025–26 television season.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!