The 52nd season of *Saturday Night Live* has kicked off with an eventful start, bringing together a mix of fresh talent and familiar faces. The season debuted on 26 September 2023, featuring the New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson in the hosting role alongside the musical group KATSEYE, marking their first appearance on the iconic late-night sketch show.
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Jalen Brunson made history during his hosting debut, becoming only the fifth NBA player to take on this role. He is also the first active player to host since LeBron James in 2007. Brunson showcased his comedic talents throughout the episode, appearing in sketches such as “Parent-Teacher Conference” and a parody of *High School Musical* called “North High,” where he comically flaunted his basketball skills. Notably, Brunson was joined by surprise guest appearances from his teammates, including Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, during his opening monologue, and even made light of the ongoing buzz surrounding Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding.
The musical guest KATSEYE also made an impact, becoming the first all-girl group to perform on *SNL* since Destiny’s Child in 2001. They performed their tracks “Animal” and “Hootie Frutti,” and were featured in a sketch titled “Dream Academy,” which parodied a reality competition show that brought the group together. This notable debut set a spirited tone for the season ahead.
Following the energetic premiere, Dakota Johnson returned to SNL on 3 October 2023 for her third time as host, just a day shy of her 37th birthday. Her episode included a surprise birthday visit from Taylor Swift, who playfully referred to herself as Johnson’s “literal therapist.” The pop star further delighted fans by presenting Johnson with a birthday cake at the episode’s conclusion. The actress participated in several sketches, including “Press Your Luck,” where she impersonated fellow actress Elizabeth Banks, and “Mean, Scary Girlfriend.”
Shane Gillis is also scheduled to return as a host on 10 October 2023, marking his third stint following his initial arrival in 2019. Gillis faced controversy after old podcast clips resurfaced, resulting in his dismissal from the cast. Despite this rocky start, he has since been invited back as a host multiple times, including future appearances scheduled for February and March 2025. Gillis has previously addressed his firing in earlier monologues, forging a path back into the show’s fold.
Inde Navarrette is set to host the Halloween episode of the season on 31 October, following her breakout role in the horror film *Obsession.* Navarrette expressed excitement and a desire to pay homage to past iconic guest stars, particularly referencing Taylor Swift as inspiration. She intends to write her own monologue to bring authenticity to her hosting segment.
Musical guest Turnstile joined the *SNL* lineup on 3 October, making their debut with performances of “BIRDS” and a medley of “I CARE” and “DULL” from their album *Never Enough.* The Baltimore-based hardcore band made history as the first hardcore group to grace the *SNL* stage since FEAR performed there in 1981, further showcasing the show’s dedication to diverse musical acts.
Looking forward, Rosalía will return to the *Saturday Night Live* stage on 10 October, marking her comeback after a four-year hiatus. In her previous appearance, the Spanish artist performed tracks such as “Chicken Teriyaki” and “La Fama.” Her upcoming performance is highly anticipated, especially given her growing international acclaim.
Meanwhile, Gracie Abrams is scheduled to grace the *SNL* stage for the second time on Halloween. She made her debut in December 2024, performing her well-received songs “I Love You, I’m Sorry” and “That’s So True.” Her return reflects the show’s continued focus on nurturing emerging talent while bringing established artists into the mix.
As *Saturday Night Live* continues its 52nd season, the exciting blend of first-time hosts, musical innovators, and returning favourites serves to keep viewers engaged and entertained. With a lineup that provides something for everyone, this season promises to uphold the show’s legacy of sharp comedy and memorable performances. Fans will be eagerly watching as the season unfolds, anticipating more iconic moments in the weeks to come.