When Is SNL Season 51 Tonight? Bad Bunny Hosts and Doja Cat Performs

Saturday Night Live returns with its season 51 premiere tonight, Saturday, October 3. The iconic late-night comedy show will air live at 11:30 p.m. EST / 8:30 p.m. PST on NBC and stream on Peacock. Bad Bunny will host the first episode, while Doja Cat is set to perform as the musical guest.

The long-running sketch series is kicking off its new season with fresh energy after a major cast shakeup. Following the 50th season, longtime cast members Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, Michael Longfellow, Heidi Gardner, and Ego Nwodim exited. The show has added several new faces, including Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska, who will join returning cast members such as Kenan Thompson, Bowen Yang, and Colin Jost.

SNL Season 51 Premiere Air Time and Viewing Details

Tonight’s premiere episode will begin at 11:30 p.m. EST / 8:30 p.m. PST on NBC. Viewers can also watch live on Peacock or stream it later if they miss the initial airing. According to reports from trusted outlets, including People magazine, this marks Bad Bunny’s second time hosting SNL, while it’s Doja Cat’s debut as a musical guest on the iconic stage.

Saturday Night Live remains one of NBC’s flagship programs, blending live sketches, celebrity impressions, and cultural satire. Its 50th season earned 15 Emmy Awards, proving that the show still resonates with audiences after five decades. Fans can expect a fresh dynamic this year as new cast members join seasoned veterans like Michael Che, Chloe Fineman, and Mikey Day.

What to Expect From the New Cast and Upcoming Episodes

The new additions — Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska — will help reshape the comedy lineup. Returning featured players Ashley Padilla and Jane Wickline are also back, alongside household names such as Sarah Sherman and Andrew Dismukes.

Season 51 is off to a star-powered start. After tonight’s premiere with Bad Bunny and Doja Cat, the next episode is already confirmed: former SNL star Amy Poehler will return as host with musician Role Model as the musical guest on October 11. These announcements signal NBC’s strategy to blend nostalgia with current pop culture to keep long-time fans and new viewers engaged.

Saturday Night Live’s season 51 premiere airs tonight with Bad Bunny as host and Doja Cat as the musical guest. The show kicks off at 11:30 p.m. EST / 8:30 p.m. PST on NBC and Peacock, promising new cast energy and a strong start to the season.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: When is SNL season 51 tonight?

SNL airs tonight, October 3, at 11:30 p.m. EST / 8:30 p.m. PST on NBC and Peacock.

Q2: Who is hosting the SNL season 51 premiere?

Bad Bunny is hosting the premiere episode of Saturday Night Live season 51.

Q3: Who is the musical guest for SNL tonight?

Doja Cat is the musical guest for the season 51 premiere.

Q4: How can I watch SNL live?

You can watch SNL live on NBC or stream it on Peacock tonight.

Q5: Who will host the next SNL episode?

Amy Poehler will host the October 11 episode with musical guest Role Model.