Saturday Night Live is gearing up for its 52nd season, set to premiere in fall 2026 on NBC and Peacock. With new cast members, a star-studded host lineup, and fresh sketches, SNL promises another season of laughter, music, and pop culture moments fans won’t want to miss.
When Is SNL Season 52 Coming Out?
NBC’s beloved late-night sketch show, Saturday Night Live (SNL), is officially returning for its 52nd season in fall 2026. The Emmy-winning comedy staple will once again bring its trademark political satire, celebrity impressions, and unforgettable sketches live from New York.
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Who Are the New Cast Members of Saturday Night Live Season 52?
The upcoming Saturday Night Live Season 52 cast will feature five new faces joining the lineup of talented comedians and actors.
The new featured players are:
- Tommy Brennan
- Jeremy Culhane
- Kam Patterson
- Veronika Slowikowska
- Ben Marshall
These fresh additions are expected to bring new energy and creative flair to the long-running NBC show, following in the footsteps of iconic SNL legends like Bill Hader, Tina Fey, and Eddie Murphy.
Who’s Returning for SNL Season 52?
While NBC has not yet officially confirmed the final returning cast list from Season 51, several familiar names are expected to return alongside the new featured players. Updates from production insiders suggest that Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, Veronika Slowikowska, and Ben Marshall will continue to shape the new season’s comedic direction.
Who Is Hosting the SNL Season 52 Premiere?
The Season 52 premiere of Saturday Night Live will be hosted by Bad Bunny, marking the Puerto Rican superstar’s second time hosting the iconic show.
Bad Bunny made his hosting debut in Season 49 and later returned as the final musical guest of Season 50. This time, he’ll headline the new season’s debut episode, joined by Musical Guest Doja Cat, promising an explosive and entertaining start to the 2026 fall TV lineup.
How to Watch Saturday Night Live Season 52 in the USA
Fans in the U.S. can catch new SNL Season 52 episodes airing live at 11:30/10:30c on NBC every Saturday night.
Episodes will also be streaming live and on-demand on Peacock, NBC’s official streaming platform.
Can’t stay up late? Don’t worry — full episodes and sketches from each broadcast will be available to stream the next day on Peacock.
📺 Watch Live: NBC
💻 Stream Anytime: PeacockTV.com
Are Saturday Night Live Auditions Public?
No — SNL auditions are private and invitation-only events. While open casting calls for new cast members are not available to the public, fans can get a behind-the-scenes look through various documentaries showcasing the audition process.
However, the public can apply for free studio audience tickets to attend live tapings at NBC’s Studio 8H in New York City — offering fans a chance to experience the magic of SNL firsthand.
FAQs: Saturday Night Live Season 52 (2026)
1. Will Season 52 of SNL feature any new format changes?
While NBC hasn’t confirmed any major format shifts, industry buzz suggests that Season 52 might introduce more pre-taped digital sketches and expand its musical performances to appeal to younger streaming audiences on Peacock.
2. Is Lorne Michaels still producing Saturday Night Live?
Yes. Creator and long-time executive producer Lorne Michaels is expected to remain involved with Season 52, continuing his legacy of discovering and mentoring new comedic talent for over five decades.
3. Where is SNL filmed in 2026?
Saturday Night Live continues to be filmed live from Studio 8H at NBC’s Rockefeller Center in New York City, maintaining its historic home since 1975.
4. Can fans visit the SNL studio or take a tour?
Yes! Fans can book NBC Studio Tours in New York City, which often include a glimpse of Studio 8H, where SNL is filmed. However, access during rehearsals or live tapings is limited to ticket holders only.
5. Will SNL Season 52 include political sketches during the 2026 election cycle?
Given SNL’s tradition of political satire, viewers can expect sharp and timely sketches inspired by the 2026 U.S. election season, featuring celebrity impressions and real-time commentary.
6. How long is each Saturday Night Live episode?
Each live episode typically runs 90 minutes, including commercials. The runtime includes the cold open, host monologue, comedy sketches, Weekend Update, and musical performances.
7. How can aspiring comedians get noticed for SNL?
Although SNL auditions are private, aspiring performers often gain visibility by performing in improv theaters like The Groundlings, Second City, or Upright Citizens Brigade, where SNL scouts frequently discover new talent.
8. Is SNL available to stream outside the United States?
Yes. International fans can access SNL clips and selected full episodes via Peacock’s global platform or on NBC’s official YouTube channel, depending on regional licensing agreements.
9. When will SNL Season 52 air on NBC?
Saturday Night Live Season 52 will premiere in fall 2026, airing live on NBC every Saturday night.
10. Who will host the SNL Season 52 premiere?
Bad Bunny will host the premiere, joined by Doja Cat as the musical guest.
11. How can comedians get noticed by SNL?
Aspiring comedians often get discovered through improv theaters like Second City or The Groundlings, where SNL scouts new talent.
Final Thoughts:
With a mix of new comedic talent, returning favorites, and a powerhouse premiere featuring Bad Bunny and Doja Cat, Saturday Night Live 2026 Season 52 is set to kick off in fall 2026 with big laughs, star-studded performances, and fresh sketches that capture today’s pop culture moments.
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