Saturday Night Live returns tonight, September 26, 2026, with the Season 52 premiere bringing a first-time host, a debuting musical guest and several changes to the cast.
NBA champion Jalen Brunson will lead the new episode in his first turn as SNL host. KATSEYE will also make its first appearance on the NBC series, opening the season as musical guest.
The premiere follows the show’s previous season-ending episode in May, which was hosted by Will Ferrell. That installment marked Ferrell’s sixth time hosting.
Jalen Brunson makes his hosting debut
Brunson steps into the spotlight for his first Saturday Night Live hosting assignment as Season 52 begins. The episode marks a major first for both sides of the night’s lineup, with neither Brunson nor KATSEYE having appeared on the show in their respective roles before.
KATSEYE members Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel and Yoonchae Jeung are expected to perform together during the broadcast. The Los Angeles-based band’s other two members, Manon Bannerman and Sophia Laforteza, are currently on hiatus.
Season 52 brings cast changes
The season premiere will also introduce viewers to a reshaped SNL ensemble following multiple departures and two promotions.
Bowen Yang left the series midseason, while Chloe Fineman and Martin Herlihy exited ahead of the Season 52 launch. Ashley Padilla and Jane Wickline have now been elevated to repertory-player status.
Two new featured players are joining the cast. New York City-based comedian Saidah Belo-Osagie comes aboard alongside Grace Reiter, a star of The Chair Company.
The personnel changes give tonight’s premiere an additional element of transition as the show begins its latest season with new performers taking their places in the cast and Padilla and Wickline moving into expanded standing within the ensemble.
When and where to watch tonight’s SNL
The Season 52 premiere airs live on NBC at 11:30 p.m. ET tonight. The broadcast begins at 10:30 p.m. CT and 8:30 p.m. PT.
Viewers can also stream the episode live on Peacock at the same time as the NBC broadcast. Individual sketches are posted to YouTube not long after they air, while full episodes become available on Peacock early Sunday mornings for anyone who misses the live show.
What Happens Next?
SNL already has its host and musical guest set for the following week. Dakota Johnson will return to host the October 3 episode, marking her third time leading the show.
Johnson’s appearance comes one day after the release of her film Verity, which is based on the novel by Colleen Hoover.
Turnstile will serve as the musical guest for the October 3 broadcast. Like KATSEYE on premiere night, the American rock band will be making its first appearance on Saturday Night Live.