Saturday Night Live (SNL) is officially back this fall, kicking off its 51st season on Saturday, October 4, at 11:30 PM ET/8:30 PM PT. As always, it will air live on NBC and stream on Peacock. And with this milestone season arriving just after the show’s 50th anniversary, there’s a noticeable sense of transition in the air—largely driven by a significant cast shakeup.
Four cast members from last season have stepped away, and in their place, five new performers are joining the lineup. It’s the kind of reshuffling SNL has leaned into over the years, using change as a way to refresh its energy and keep pace with how comedy is evolving. Whether this new batch of talent clicks with audiences remains to be seen, but the mix definitely adds some interesting ingredients to the Studio 8H stage.
Key Takeaways
- Saturday Night Live Season 51 premieres on Saturday, October 4, 2025.
- The show airs live on NBC and streams on Peacock.
- Five new cast members are joining the show. They are Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska.
- Four cast members from last season have departed: Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, and Emil Wakim.
- Long-time cast members like Kenan Thompson, Colin Jost, and Michael Che are set to return.
Season 51 premieres on October 4, 2025, marking the show’s return to its regular late-night slot. While the official host and musical guest haven’t been revealed yet, fans are already speculating. After all, this season carries the weight of what comes next, now that the show has crossed its half-century mark.
The newcomers this year are Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska. Each brings a different flavor to the table. Brennan, a stand-up comedian from Minnesota, gained national attention in 2023 when he was named a “Just for Laughs New Face of Comedy.” Jeremy Culhane, meanwhile, has roots in improv with the Upright Citizens Brigade and is known for his comedic online sketches, which often go viral. Kam Patterson comes from the stand-up circuit as well and has built a loyal following through his appearances on the live podcast Kill Tony.
Veronika Slowikowska might already be familiar to younger viewers; she’s gained momentum online for her sharp sketch comedy across platforms like Instagram and TikTok. You might’ve even seen her pop up in series like What We Do in the Shadows. And then there’s Ben Marshall, whose name might ring a bell if you’ve watched the show in recent years. He was part of the digital trio “Please Don’t Destroy,” whose pre-recorded sketches have been a regular feature since 2021. Marshall’s move from behind the scenes to full-time cast member feels like a natural next step, especially considering how consistently well those sketches have landed.
Of course, as the new cast arrives, others are stepping away. Heidi Gardner, after eight solid seasons, is departing. She became one of the more recognizable and reliable presences on the show. Michael Longfellow and Devon Walker, both of whom had a three-season run, are also leaving. And Emil Wakim, a featured player from last season, won’t be returning either. These kinds of exits, while they can sting for fans, are part of how SNL renews itself. It’s something the show has done for decades.
Several familiar faces will still be holding things down. Kenan Thompson, who at this point feels like an institution himself, is returning, as are “Weekend Update” anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che. James Austin Johnson is also back, continuing with his standout impressions, including his widely praised take on Donald Trump. Their presence provides some consistency for viewers and gives the new cast a strong foundation to work from.
This season also marks a shift in tone for the series. After the 50th anniversary, SNL’s creator Lorne Michaels hinted at the possibility of changes, even suggesting he wanted to “shake things up” a bit. That idea seems to be playing out now. By pulling in talent from stand-up clubs, improv circles, and social media platforms, the show is clearly aiming to tap into what’s resonating with today’s comedy audiences.
There’s still plenty left to learn about how this new season will shape up. Who’s hosting the premiere? Who’s the musical guest? Those announcements are still under wraps, but anticipation is definitely building. After fifty seasons, it’s fascinating to see SNL still finding new ways to reinvent itself.
FAQs
Q. Who are the new cast members for SNL Season 51?
A. The five new featured cast members are Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska.
Q. When does Saturday Night Live Season 51 premiere?
A. The new season premieres on Saturday, October 4, 2025.
Q. Which cast members are not returning for Season 51?
A. Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, and Emil Wakim have all left the show.
Q. Where can I watch Saturday Night Live?
A. The show airs live on NBC and streams on Peacock. Episodes are also available to stream on Peacock the next day.
Q. Has the host for the Season 51 premiere been announced?
A. No, the host and musical guest for the first episode have not been officially announced yet.
