Puerto Rican icon Bad Bunny is set to kick off Saturday Night Live Season 51 in grand style. The sketch-comedy staple returns October 4, 2025, with Bad Bunny hosting the premiere and Doja Cat appearing as the musical guest.
Season 51 isn’t just about big hosts, there’s been noticeable shake-ups in the cast:
Key Dates & Hosts Lineup
| Date | Host | Musical Guest / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 4, 2025 | Bad Bunny | Doja Cat makes her SNL debut. |
| Oct 11, 2025 | Amy Poehler | Role Model (Tucker Pillsbury) will be the musical guest. Interestingly, Oct 11 is exactly 50 years after SNL’s first episode aired. |
| Oct 18, 2025 | Sabrina Carpenter | She will serve as both host and musical guest. |
- Long-standing cast members Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, and John Higgins will not return.
- Joining the cast: Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, Veronika Slowikowska, and Ben Marshall.
- Returning cast includes Kenan Thompson, Bowen Yang, Chloe Fineman, Mikey Day, and others. Weekend Update anchors Michael Che & Colin Jost are also back.
Lorne Michaels, the show’s longtime producer, remarked that these changes are part of SNL’s tradition of renewal. “Change is good,” he said.
Cultural Significance & What This Means
Bad Bunny’s continued involvement with SNL speaks to the growing influence of Latinx artists in mainstream U.S. comedy and television. Having emerged over the past decade as a global music powerhouse, this hosting slot builds on his previous memorable appearances:
- He was a musical guest in SNL’s Season 50 finale.
- He’s also participated in SNL50-related sketches and events.
For Doja Cat, the Season 51 premiere marks her first SNL musical guest slot, an exciting expansion of her platform. Sabrina Carpenter’s dual role (host + performer) also signals SNL’s trust in rising artists.
This season promises a powerful opening. Bad Bunny hosting the premiere isn’t just a milestone for him, it’s another signal of SNL evolving with its audience. Between new hosts, musical guests making their debuts, and cast shake-ups, Season 51 seems poised to be one of its most dynamic yet.
