The 50th season of Saturday Night Live (SNL) was a massive success, earning 31 Emmy nominations and reaffirming the show’s cultural dominance. Now, all eyes turn to Season 51, with fans eager to know who’s returning, when it premieres, and which celebrities might host the legendary sketch-comedy program.
Cast Changes for Season 51
On August 25, comedian Devon Walker confirmed he would not return for a fourth year. Known for his viral impersonations of Frank Ocean, Michael Strahan, Sen. Tim Scott, and Mayor Eric Adams, Walker also became a fan favorite on Weekend Update. He described his departure as the right time to move on, calling it “good news” and a chance to try something different.
Meanwhile, the fates of the remaining cast—including Kenan Thompson, Colin Jost, Michael Che, and Heidi Gardner—are still uncertain. Notably, Thompson remains the longest-running cast member with 22 seasons, while Jost and Che have anchored Weekend Update together for over a decade.
It’s also unclear whether new featured players from Season 50—Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, and Jane Wickline—will return.
Lorne Michaels on the Future of SNL
Lorne Michaels, the show’s creator and long-time producer, explained that he avoided major cast shakeups in Season 50 to maintain focus during the anniversary year. Looking ahead, he admits feeling “pressure to reinvent” the series as it enters its sixth decade. While rumors of his retirement persist, Michaels insists he’s not finished yet.
Premiere Date for SNL 51
The Season 51 premiere is set for October 4, 2025, airing live coast-to-coast at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT on NBC. Episodes will also stream the following day on Peacock.
Potential Guest Hosts
Speculation is already swirling about who will host the new season. Among the top contenders are:
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Kathy Bates
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Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
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Oscar Isaac
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Michael B. Jordan
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Pedro Pascal
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Taylor Swift
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Jennifer Lopez
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Jeremy Allen White
Each of these stars had a standout year, making them likely candidates for the iconic SNL monologue spotlight.
Weekend Update Legacy
Colin Jost and Michael Che have become the longest-serving duo in the history of Weekend Update, beginning their run in Season 40 and completing 11 years together. Their partnership surpasses beloved past pairs such as Tina Fey and Amy Poehler or Seth Meyers and Amy Poehler.
SNL’s Emmy Dominance
At the 2024 Emmy Awards, SNL cemented its place in history as the most awarded TV program ever, with 101 total wins. For 2025, the franchise is nominated 31 more times across multiple specials, including:
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SNL 50: The Anniversary Special (12 nominations)
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The Homecoming Concert (6 nominations)
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Beyond Saturday Night (3 nominations)
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50 Years of SNL Music (2 nominations)
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The Anniversary Special: Immersive Experience (1 nomination)
This legacy proves that Saturday Night Live remains one of the most influential and enduring shows in television history.
