Saturday Night Live Season 51: What to Expect From the Legendary Sketch Show

“Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” Those iconic words are about to echo again as Saturday Night Live gears up for its milestone 51st season. The cultural giant, created by Lorne Michaels back in 1975, has become much more than just a late-night comedy show—it’s a breeding ground for Hollywood’s biggest stars, a mirror of American pop culture, and often, a place where history gets made.

Now, as NBC officially confirms that Season 51 will debut Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 11:30 p.m. EST, fans are buzzing with questions: Who’s hosting? Who’s leaving? Who’s sticking around? And will this be the beginning of another big transition period for the show?

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the upcoming season.

When Does Season 51 Kick Off?

Circle the date. NBC has slotted SNL right back in its traditional home—Saturday nights at 11:30/10:30c. The October 4 premiere marks the beginning of what’s shaping up to be a season packed with changes, fresh talent, and some tough goodbyes.

Who’s Hosting the Season Premiere?

Here’s the thing: NBC hasn’t officially dropped the name of the host yet. But history suggests it’ll be a big star. Past premieres have brought out the likes of Pete Davidson (Season 49), Jean Smart (Season 50), and Top Gun: Maverick’s Miles Teller (Season 48). So the question isn’t if we’ll get a household name—it’s who.

The musical guest? Still under wraps as well. But if recent years are any clue—Jelly Roll last year, Ice Spice before that, Kendrick Lamar the year prior—we’re probably in for another A-list act.

Cast Shake-Ups: Who’s Staying, Who’s Leaving?

No season of Saturday Night Live launches without cast speculation, and Season 51 is no exception. Lorne Michaels has already confirmed that James Austin Johnson, famous for his pitch-perfect Donald Trump impression, will be back. But beyond that? It’s been a little hush-hush.

Still, here’s what we do know:

✅ Returning (As of Now)

• James Austin Johnson

• Michael Che

• Mikey Day

• Chloe Fineman

• Colin Jost

• Kenan Thompson (the legend himself)

• Ego Nwodim

• Bowen Yang

• Sarah Sherman

• Marcello Hernandez

• Heidi Gardner (though more on her shocking announcement below)

• A few newer faces like Ashley Padilla and Jane Wickline, unless NBC drops a surprise.

❌ Confirmed Exits

This is where it gets emotional. Several cast members have already said their goodbyes, and fans are feeling the sting.

• Devon Walker – After three seasons, Walker revealed on Instagram that he’s out. His farewell message was honest, a little raw, and very him: “Sometimes it was really cool. Sometimes it was toxic as hell. But we made a f****d up lil family.” Walker hinted at a pivot to acting, joking that he wants a prestige drama gig with Julianne Moore.

• Emil Wakim – Another departure. Wakim, who joined just last year and made history as the first cast member of Lebanese heritage, announced his exit with surprising vulnerability. “I was at Six Flags when I got the call,” he shared, describing an emotional walk through Bugs Bunny Park as he processed leaving.

• Michael Longfellow – After three years, Longfellow is gone too. He was widely considered a potential successor for the Weekend Update desk, but instead, he’s moving on to the next chapter.

• Heidi Gardner – And here’s the shocker: Heidi Gardner, who’s been with SNL for eight years, is stepping away. Gardner brought to life some of the show’s most memorable recurring characters—like Bailey Gismert and Angel—and her celebrity impressions were fan favorites. Who could forget her viral moment last year when she broke character laughing at Mikey Day’s absurd Butthead impression during a sketch with Ryan Gosling? Social media exploded over it, and honestly, we don’t blame her.

Behind the Scenes: Writers’ Room Changes

It’s not just the performers saying goodbye. Celeste Yim, a writer who joined at just 23 and became SNL’s first openly transgender writer, announced their exit after five years. Their farewell was heartfelt, filled with gratitude but also honesty about the show’s grueling schedule. “I slept in my office every week, but I laughed every day,” Yim wrote. It’s a reminder that SNL is as demanding as it is legendary.

Lorne Michaels: Passing the Torch?

For years, there’s been chatter about when—or if—Lorne Michaels will finally step back. The man has run SNL since the very beginning, shaping the careers of everyone from Bill Murray to Tina Fey to Pete Davidson.

In a recent interview, Michaels clarified he’s not walking away just yet. Still, he admitted he’s giving more creative influence to the team around him. “I make the final decision, obviously,” he said, “but it’s not as if people don’t let me know how strongly they feel.” That subtle shift suggests Michaels might be preparing SNL for a smoother handoff when the time eventually comes.

What’s Next for the Show?

So, with Gardner, Longfellow, Wakim, and Walker all gone, Season 51 is shaping up to be a transitional year. That means fresh faces will likely join the cast, which is always one of the most exciting parts of SNL history. Remember, every breakout star—from Eddie Murphy to Kristen Wiig—started as a new kid trying to land their first sketch.

And while the exits sting, the incoming talent could mark the beginning of another golden era. Fans love to speculate: Who will become the next Weekend Update anchor someday? Who’ll create the next viral character? And who’ll flame out after a single season? That unpredictability is part of what makes tuning in so addictive.

How to Watch Season 51

Here’s the rundown:

• Live Broadcast – NBC, Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. EST.

• Streaming – Live on Peacock, with episodes available the next day.

• Catch Up – Peacock currently has seasons 2 through 50 available to stream, which is basically a treasure chest of comedy history.

Why SNL Still Matters in 2025

It’s easy to dismiss SNL as “just a sketch show,” but let’s be real—it’s woven into the fabric of American pop culture. From political impressions that become national talking points (think Tina Fey’s Sarah Palin or Alec Baldwin’s Trump) to music performances that break artists into the mainstream, SNL continues to be the stage where big cultural moments happen.

Even in the age of TikTok and YouTube, the show’s clips dominate social media, keeping it relevant to younger audiences while still serving its loyal late-night viewers. Season 51, with all its shakeups, could very well prove that SNL thrives on change.

Final Thoughts

As the countdown to October 4 begins, here’s what fans can expect:

• A big-name premiere host (speculation already buzzing online).

• New musical talent kicking things off in style.

• A reshaped cast adjusting to the loss of Gardner, Walker, Wakim, and Longfellow.

• More hints at whether Lorne Michaels is preparing for the day when he finally lets someone else steer the ship.

So grab your popcorn—or, let’s be real, your late-night pizza—and get ready. Season 51 isn’t just another chapter of Saturday Night Live. It’s the start of a new era, with plenty of laughs, surprises, and maybe even a breakout star waiting to happen.

Because as always… “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!”