The iconic late-night comedy show Saturday Night Live (SNL) is gearing up for a brand-new season, and excitement is already building. After a historic 50th anniversary celebration that honored the show’s legacy with star-studded appearances and unforgettable performances, Season 51 is ready to kick off this October. With a mix of familiar faces, first-time hosts, and debut musical guests, this season promises to deliver a fresh dose of comedy, music, and memorable live television moments.
A Season Kickoff with Bad Bunny and Doja Cat
The premiere episode of Season 51 is scheduled for October 4, and it will feature none other than global superstar Bad Bunny as the host. This won’t be his first time leading the SNL stage. He previously hosted in October 2023, when he pulled double duty as both host and performer, dazzling fans with live renditions of “Un Preview” and “Monaco.” More recently, in May 2025, he returned as a musical guest, performing alongside RaiNao with tracks from his latest album Debí Tirar Más Fotos.
This time, though, the spotlight will also shine on Doja Cat, who will be making her SNL debut as a musical guest. Despite her massive fame and countless television performances, it may surprise fans that she has never graced the SNL stage before. But the timing couldn’t be more perfect. Her newest album, Vie, is set to release on September 26, just days before the premiere. With her reputation for unforgettable live performances and bold artistic choices, Doja Cat’s set is expected to be one of the highlights of the season’s opening.
Amy Poehler Returns, Role Model Makes His Mark
Following the premiere, the October 11 episode will be a special one. Comedy veteran Amy Poehler will be back to host. For longtime fans of SNL, Poehler needs no introduction. She was a cast member from 2001 to 2008, creating countless iconic characters and moments. Although she has returned to host before, her last time leading the show was in December 2015, when she teamed up with Tina Fey. This season, she’ll host solo for the first time in 15 years, making her return a nostalgic yet exciting event.
Joining her on that episode will be Role Model, a rising artist making his SNL debut. His single “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out” has been widely praised as a defining moment in his career, giving him the momentum to take on this major stage. Fans of his unique sound will finally get to see him perform in front of millions, marking a milestone moment for his musical journey.
Sabrina Carpenter: Host and Musical Guest
Perhaps the most anticipated episode this fall will be when Sabrina Carpenter takes over SNL in a rare double-duty role as both host and musical guest. Set to appear later in October, Carpenter’s episode is already generating buzz. Double-duty slots are reserved for performers who can balance comedy with music, and Carpenter has proven she has the charisma and versatility to do just that.
Carpenter made her SNL debut just last year when Jake Gyllenhaal hosted. She performed her hit single “Espresso” and delivered a fan-favorite mashup of “Nonsense” and “Feather” from her 2022 album Emails I Can’t Send. Since then, she has skyrocketed in the pop scene, releasing not one but two blockbuster albums — Short n’ Sweet and Man’s Best Friend.
Her growth as a performer has been remarkable, and she’s no stranger to SNL’s stage. Earlier this year, during the SNL 50th anniversary special, Carpenter joined music legend Paul Simon for a touching duet of “Homeward Bound.” Later in that same night, she appeared in a comedy sketch alongside Marcello Hernandez, Pedro Pascal, and Bad Bunny, showcasing her acting chops in addition to her musical talent.
Hosting and performing on the same night will be a big step forward in her career, but given her track record, fans are confident she’ll shine in both roles.
Cast Changes Ahead of Season 51
While Season 51 is shaping up to be star-studded, it also comes with some big changes behind the scenes. Several cast members have recently announced their departure, including Heidi Gardner, Ego Nwodim, Emil Wakim, Michael Longfellow, and Devon Walker.
Losing so many performers at once is always a challenge for a live sketch show, but SNL has a long history of reinventing itself after cast shake-ups. Often, this opens the door for fresh talent to step in and make their mark. To keep the energy alive, the show seems to be leaning heavily on major musical stars and comedy legends to fill the initial gap. With Bad Bunny, Doja Cat, Amy Poehler, Role Model, and Sabrina Carpenter all lined up in just the first few weeks, the producers clearly aim to keep the momentum strong.
What to Expect from Season 51
SNL has always thrived by balancing tradition with innovation. Season 51 will continue to carry the legacy of live sketch comedy while embracing the new voices and performers that shape today’s entertainment world.
Fans can expect to see plenty of political humor as the U.S. enters another heated election season, new character-driven sketches, and surprise celebrity cameos. With pop culture moving faster than ever, SNL’s writers and performers will no doubt keep their fingers on the pulse of current events.
Moreover, with musical acts like Doja Cat, Role Model, and Sabrina Carpenter stepping in, the music segments will be stronger than ever. Each performance is bound to go viral, adding to the show’s reach beyond television and into social media platforms worldwide.
For those who wondered how SNL would top its 50th anniversary celebration, the answer seems clear: Season 51 is not about looking back but pushing forward.
Final Thoughts
From Bad Bunny’s hosting return and Doja Cat’s first-ever performance, to Amy Poehler’s long-awaited comeback and Sabrina Carpenter’s double-duty milestone, SNL Season 51 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent years. The departure of key cast members might shift the show’s dynamic, but the mix of music, comedy, and star power ensures that fans will have plenty to look forward to when the season kicks off in October.