Fans of Saturday Night Live can breathe a sigh of relief as NBC has officially announced the return of the iconic sketch comedy show for its 51st season. The new season is set to premiere on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:30 p.m. ET, continuing its tradition of fall debuts that align with previous seasons. While the specific host and musical guest for the premiere episode have not yet been announced, anticipation is high following the show’s milestone 50th season in 2024.
As for the cast, NBC has not released the official lineup for season 51, but current cast members include well-known names like Kenan Thompson, Colin Jost, Michael Che, and others such as Chloe Fineman, Bowen Yang, and Sarah Sherman. Featured players introduced in season 50—Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, and Jane Wickline—may also return, though this has not been confirmed.
The announcement comes after a period of uncertainty, with fans and cast members alike expressing concerns about the show’s future. In a recent interview, Bowen Yang discussed his apprehensions about returning to Saturday Night Live following the sudden cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Yang expressed concern over the future of such shows amidst an evolving media landscape and recent industry mergers, particularly referencing the Paramount-Skydance deal. Although SNL remains on NBC, Yang highlighted uncertainties that come with media consolidations and their potential political implications.
With the premiere date set and the return of familiar faces, fans can look forward to more laughs and live performances as the series continues its legacy. Tickets for the 2025–2026 season are currently available through SNL’s annual email lottery, which remains open until August 31. NBC and Peacock will air the new episodes, though cast updates and the season premiere host have not yet been announced.
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