Dive deep into everything ‘Saturday Night Live’ from its historic 50th anniversary season to the unfolding 51st, with a full breakdown of every host, musical guest, and cast detail you need to know.
As Saturday Night Live continues its remarkable run, fans are buzzing with excitement for both the landmark Season 50 and the dynamic start to Season 51. From iconic returning hosts to fresh musical guests and new cast members, the venerable sketch comedy series remains a cornerstone of late-night entertainment. We’re here to provide the definitive guide to who’s been gracing the legendary Studio 8H stage and what to expect next.
A Look Back: Saturday Night Live Season 50 Highlights
Saturday Night Live launched its milestone 50th season in September with a star-studded lineup. While there wasn’t a new episode on January 11, the show quickly resumed its electrifying schedule, with the next new episode on January 18 featuring an anticipated host.
The first half of Season 50 delivered a blend of comedic veterans and rising stars. The season kicked off strong with six-time Emmy Award winner Jean Smart making her hosting debut, joined by musical guest Jelly Roll. Following this, stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze returned for his second hosting gig, with Coldplay performing for their eighth time. Other notable early season hosts included Ariana Grande, Michael Keaton, John Mulaney, and Bill Burr, with musical performances from Stevie Nicks, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, and mk.gee. A highlight was Charli XCX pulling double duty as both host and musical guest in November.
The excitement continued into December with Paul Mescal making his hosting debut alongside musical guest Shaboozey. Veteran Chris Rock returned for his fourth time, followed by Martin Short, who hosted the final episode of 2024. Musical guests included Gracie Abrams and Hozier. This half of the season showcased the show’s enduring appeal and its ability to attract top talent.
Continuing the Celebration: Season 50’s Full Lineup (Jan-May 2025)
The 50th season was packed with even more talent after the new year, solidifying its place in television history. Here’s the complete schedule of hosts and musical guests for the momentous season:
- Sept. 28 – Host: Jean Smart, Musical Guest: Jelly Roll
- Oct. 5 – Host: Nate Bargatze, Musical Guest: Coldplay
- Oct. 12 – Host: Ariana Grande, Musical Guest: Stevie Nicks
- Oct. 19 – Host: Michael Keaton, Musical Guest: Billie Eilish
- Nov. 2 – Host: John Mulaney, Musical Guest: Chappell Roan
- Nov. 9 – Host: Bill Burr, Musical Guest: mk.gee
- Nov. 16 – Host and Musical Guest: Charli XCX
- Dec. 7 – Host: Paul Mescal, Musical Guest: Shaboozey
- Dec. 14 – Host: Chris Rock, Musical Guest: Gracie Abrams
- Dec. 21 – Host: Martin Short, Musical Guest: Hozier
- Jan. 18 – Host: Dave Chappelle, Musical Guest: Glorilla
- Jan. 25 – Host and Musical Guest: Timothée Chalamet
- March 1 – Host: Shane Gillis, Musical Guest: Tate McRae
- March 8 – Host and Musical Guest: Lady Gaga
- March 29 – Host: Mikey Madison, Musical Guest: Morgan Wallen
- April 5 – Host: Jack Black, Musical Guests: Elton John and Brandi Carlile
- April 12 – Host: Jon Hamm, Musical Guest: Lizzo
- May 3 – Host: Quinta Brunson, Musical Guest: Benson Boone
- May 10 – Host: Walton Goggins, Musical Guest: Arcade Fire
- May 17 – Host: Scarlett Johansson, Musical Guest: Bad Bunny
The season also featured a special live prime time celebration for the 50th anniversary on Sunday, February 16, commemorating half a century of groundbreaking comedy.
The New Era Begins: Saturday Night Live Season 51 Kicks Off
Following the monumental 50th anniversary, Saturday Night Live swiftly transitioned into its 51st season, proving that its commitment to fresh, topical comedy is as strong as ever. While there was no new episode on October 25, the season began with a series of compelling new shows.
The Season 51 premiere on October 4 saw Bad Bunny return as host for his second time, accompanied by Doja Cat making her debut as musical guest. Former SNL cast member Amy Poehler graced the stage on October 11, hosting for the second time individually, with Role Model delivering his first-ever musical performance. On October 18, Sabrina Carpenter showcased her versatility as both host and musical guest. More details on the unfolding season’s schedule can be found at Parade.
Upcoming Season 51 Schedule
Fans can look forward to more exciting episodes as Season 51 continues its run:
- Nov. 1 – Host: Miles Teller (second time), Musical Guest: Brandi Carlile (Grammy-winning singer-songwriter)
- Nov. 8 – Host: Nikki Glaser (debut), Musical Guest: sombr (debut)
- Nov. 15 – Host: Glenn Powell (debut), Musical Guest: Olivia Dean (debut)
Who’s in the Cast? The Enduring Ensemble and Fresh Faces
The heart of Saturday Night Live lies in its talented cast, and Season 50 saw both familiar faces and exciting new additions. Prior to the season’s start, several cast members departed the show, with Punkie Johnson, Molly Kearney, and Chloe Troast announcing their exits. Johnson had been a cast member for four seasons, Kearney a featured player for two years, and Troast had just wrapped her first year.
Filling some of these roles, SNL welcomed three new featured players: Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, and Jane Wickline. These fresh talents joined the established repertory cast, who continued to deliver memorable performances:
- Michael Che
- Mikey Day
- Andrew Dismukes
- Chloe Fineman
- Heidi Gardner
- Marcello Hernandez
- James Austin Johnson
- Colin Jost
- Michael Longfellow
- Ego Nwodim
- Sarah Sherman
- Kenan Thompson
- Devon Walker
- Bowen Yang
Longest-serving “Weekend Update” anchor Colin Jost continues to lead the news segment alongside his longtime co-anchor Michael Che, a duo beloved by fans for their sharp wit and chemistry.
How to Watch Saturday Night Live
For fans eager to catch all the laughs, Saturday Night Live airs live coast-to-coast on Saturdays at 11:30 PM ET / 8:30 PM PT. You can tune in directly on NBC or stream new episodes live on Peacock, which also offers every season of SNL for streaming on demand.
Additional streaming platforms offering access to SNL include:
- Fubo TV: Offers a seven-day free trial and caters to sports fans.
- DirecTV Stream: Provides a five-day free trial and a current offer of $120 off the first year of service.
- Hulu + Live TV: Note that some limitations may apply based on geographic area, and there is no free trial.
With its blend of classic humor, timely satire, and an ever-evolving roster of talent, Saturday Night Live continues to be a must-watch for comedy enthusiasts worldwide. Stay tuned to official NBC announcements for the latest schedule updates and guest details on their website.
