SNL Season 51 Reveals Star-Studded Lineup with Bad Bunny, Ariana Grande, and Cher

NBC’s Saturday Night Live has announced its first wave of hosts for season 51. The historic sketch show returns on October 4th. It will kick off with a major season premiere.

The lineup includes big-name actors and musical icons. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the schedule runs through late December. The announcement follows a significant cast overhaul this summer.

New Faces and Veteran Returns Mark the 51st Season

Bad Bunny opens the season on October 4th. He will host for the second time. Doja Cat is the musical guest that night.

The following weeks feature a mix of alumni and newcomers. Amy Poehler returns to host on October 11th. Sabrina Carpenter pulls double duty as host and musical guest on October 18th.

Later episodes feature notable debuts. Comedian Nikki Glaser and actor Glen Powell will host for the first time. The season wraps with a major event on December 20th.

Ariana Grande will host for her third time. Legendary singer Cher will be the musical guest. Cher last appeared on the show in 1987.

A Rebuilt Cast and the Show’s Enduring Strategy

This season features the largest cast change in years. Five longtime cast members departed after season 50. Their exits include Heidi Gardner and Ego Nwodim.

Five new featured players are joining the team. They will work alongside veterans like Kenan Thompson and Bowen Yang. This refresh aims to bring new energy to the classic format.

The host selection shows a clear strategy. It blends proven ratings draws with fresh talent. Musical bookings also balance chart-toppers with critical favorites.

This approach aims to attract a wide audience. It honors the show’s legacy while pushing it forward. The new cast will be tested immediately with this high-profile schedule.

The revealed SNL Season 51 lineup promises a dynamic blend of comedy and music, setting the stage for another chapter in the show’s storied history.

Info at your fingertips

When does SNL Season 51 start?

The season premiere is scheduled for Saturday, October 4th. Bad Bunny will host the first episode. Doja Cat is the musical guest for the premiere.

Who are the new cast members?

Five new featured players are joining. They are Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska. They replace several departing veterans.

Is Cher really returning to SNL?

Yes. Cher is confirmed as the musical guest for December 20th. This marks her first appearance on the show since 1987.

Who is hosting for the first time?

First-time hosts include Glen Powell, Nikki Glaser, and Josh O’Connor. Sabrina Carpenter is also hosting for the first time, while also serving as her own musical guest.

Why was there a big cast change?

Multiple long-tenured cast members chose to depart after the landmark 50th season. This created openings for a new generation of comedians to join the main cast.