The iconic sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) is gearing up to return for its 52nd season with an exciting roster of hosts and musical acts. Recently unveiled by NBC, the lineup promises a mix of recognised stars and fresh talent, catering to a diverse range of viewers.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Jalen-Brunson-Dakota-Johnson-Inde-Navarrette-090926-1e60900f566a4d3e9efcdc4746dd6dfd.jpg)
Kicking off the season on September 26 will be Jalen Brunson, the standout point guard for the New York Knicks, who recently led the franchise to its first NBA Finals victory in over five decades. Following him, acclaimed actress Dakota Johnson, known for her role in the upcoming film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s thriller “Verity,” will take the SNL stage on October 3.
The season will also feature Inde Navarrette, who gained attention for her role in the popular series “Obsession,” as she makes her hosting debut. Additionally, comedian Shane Gillis is set to return, marking his third time hosting the show since his controversial dismissal in 2019, following backlash from his past comments.
This season’s lineup of musical guests is equally noteworthy. KATSEYE, a rising star in the music industry, will join Brunson for the season premiere. Following them, Johnson will present Turnstile, an eclectic band known for their vibrant performances. Gillis will welcome the renowned Spanish singer Rosalía on October 10, while Navarrette will be paired with Gracie Abrams, who is expected to bring her unique sound to the Halloween edition of the show.
This season marks Johnson’s third appearance on SNL. She first graced the stage in February 2015, paired with musical guest Alabama Shakes. Her previous hosting stint also included a performance with Justin Timberlake, further showcasing her versatility as both an actress and host.
Brunson’s appearance is particularly significant given the show’s history of hosting NBA legends, including Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and LeBron James. The young star has expressed a desire to expand his horizons beyond the basketball court and has previously shared that appearing in an episode of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” is among his aspirations for the future.
The musical acts also include notable performances that are poised to leave a lasting impression. KATSEYE and Turnstile will mark their debuts on the SNL stage, while Rosalía and Abrams return for their second appearances, adding an element of familiarity to the season’s vibrant new cast.
The previous season of SNL concluded four months ago and featured a varied selection of hosts ranging from Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande to Harry Styles and Jack Black. With such a diverse array of talent showcased during season 51, expectations are high for the upcoming season to continue this trend.
“Saturday Night Live” will officially premiere its 52nd season on Saturday, September 26, at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC and will be available for streaming on Peacock. With an intriguing mix of sport, music, and comedy ahead, audiences are eagerly anticipating what this new season will deliver.