What’s New on SNL Season 51? Hosts, Musical Guests, Cast Moves and More
Get ready for a wild ride — the iconic sketch show Saturday Night Live is back for Season 51, and the lineup is stacked. From global superstar Bad Bunny opening the season to country legend Brandi Carlile hosting and singing later on, SNL is pulling no punches. It’s a bit like when Nigerian shows bring in both big-name hosts and budding artists to shake things up — think how in Nigeria, guys like Davido jumped from music into hosting major events and grabbed attention.
The comedy institution that is Saturday Night Live has kicked off its 51st season and the buzz is unmistakable. Right from the premiere, producers went big: the season opener on October 4, 2025 had Bad Bunny as host with Doja Cat as musical guest.
Season highlights & what’s new
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Returning familiar faces: The show’s cast still features stalwarts like Kenan Thompson, Michael Che and Colin Jost — keeping the core that fans know and love.
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New energy: Several cast members left ahead of this season (like Heidi Gardner, Ego Nwodim) and fresh featured players joined, so expect new dynamics.
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Big-name hosts: The season is bringing in a mix of actors and comedians — for instance, Miles Teller hosts on November 1 with Brandi Carlile performing.
On November 8, comedian Nikki Glaser makes her hosting debut with musical guest Sombr. November 15 then sees Glen Powell take the helm, backed by Olivia Dean singing. -
Double duty moves: On October 18, Sabrina Carpenter served as both host and musical guest — a bold move that signals SNL’s willingness to mix things up.
Why this matters
For fans of sketch comedy, celebrity culture and live television surprises, this season is shaping up to be memorable. The mix of familiar and fresh faces gives both comfort and excitement — just like how in the Nigerian entertainment scene, when a veteran actor takes on a new show alongside emerging talent, we sit up and watch. Think of how the show “Big Brother Naija” continues to draw attention when big names show up to host or perform, keeping the format alive and relevant.
Moreover, with streaming and global reach, a show like SNL isn’t just for U.S. audiences anymore — Nigerian viewers or African fans of comedy and music can tune in and feel part of the moment.