Saturday Night Live is getting ready for its 52nd season, and the new run comes with a few noticeable changes. The NBC sketch-comedy institution returns on September 26, 2026, with NBA star Jalen Brunson hosting the premiere and KATSEYE making its SNL debut as musical guest. The new season also introduces two fresh featured players while several familiar performers have moved on, creating a fresh mix of personalities and comedy styles.
SNL Season 52 New Cast
The two new featured players are Grace Reiter and Saidah Belo-Osagie. Reiter is a comedian, actor, writer, and director from Wisconsin who has built an audience through online sketches and parody videos. She has also appeared in The Chair Company and is connected to the upcoming Netflix series Minimum Wage.
Belo-Osagie, a comedian and filmmaker from Queens, has worked across short films, live comedy, and online content. Her earlier projects include the short film Tinge, the event series Afrobeats Futura, and the solo show Saidah Gets Closure. Both performers were announced by NBC in September and are set to make their debut with the Season 52 premiere.
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Who Is Leaving SNL Season 52?
The cast is changing, but the show is not starting from scratch. Chloe Fineman will not return after seven seasons. She joined SNL in 2019 and became widely known for impressions and character performances. Martin Herlihy, associated with the comedy group Please Don’t Destroy, is also leaving after his time as a cast member and later as a writer.
Bowen Yang is another notable absence. He left during Season 51, with his final episode airing in December 2025, so his departure happened earlier than the latest casting changes. Ego Nwodim also left before Season 51.
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Who Is Returning?
Many familiar faces are coming back for Season 52. The returning repertory cast includes Kenan Thompson, Michael Che, Colin Jost, Mikey Day, Andrew Dismukes, Marcello Hernández, James Austin Johnson, and Sarah Sherman. Ashley Padilla and Jane Wickline have been promoted to repertory players after serving as featured players.
Ben Marshall, Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska are also returning as featured players. The result is a season that mixes experienced SNL performers with new talent rather than completely rebuilding the cast, while keeping its familiar comedy rhythm intact.
SNL Season 52 Hosts and Musical Guests
NBC has already announced the first four episodes. Jalen Brunson will host the September 26 premiere with KATSEYE as the musical guest. Dakota Johnson returns as host on October 3, joined by Turnstile. Shane Gillis will host on October 10, with RosalÃa performing. The October 31 episode will feature Inde Navarrette as host and Gracie Abrams as musical guest.
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When and Where to Watch SNL Season 52?
SNL Season 52 premieres Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC. New episodes will also be available on Peacock, with the streaming platform offering current and previous seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Is SNL Season 52 confirmed?
Yes. NBC has confirmed the 52nd season, beginning September 26, 2026.
2.Who are the new SNL Season 52 cast members?
Grace Reiter and Saidah Belo-Osagie are joining as featured players.
3.Who is hosting the Season 52 premiere?
Jalen Brunson is hosting the premiere, with KATSEYE as musical guest.
4.Is Chloe Fineman returning?
No. Fineman left SNL after seven seasons.
5.Is Bowen Yang returning?
No. Yang left during Season 51 and will not be part of Season 52.
6.What time does SNL Season 52 air?
The show airs Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC, with episodes also available on Peacock.
