Bad Bunny Hosts SNL Premiere as Doja Cat Shines as the SNL Tonight Musical Guest in a Star-Studded Season 51 Kickoff
Saturday Night Live returned with a bang this weekend, launching its much-anticipated Season 51 with a blend of comedy, controversy, and chart-topping music. The episode featured Bad Bunny as host and Doja Cat as the SNL tonight musical guest, creating one of the most talked-about premieres in recent years.
A Fresh Start for Saturday Night Live Season 51
After a summer hiatus, SNL kicked off its 51st season with new faces and bold sketches that marked a clear creative shift. The show welcomed five new featured players — Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska — joining veterans like Kenan Thompson, Bowen Yang, Chloe Fineman, Michael Che, and Colin Jost.
The premiere also marked the departure of several long-time cast members, including Heidi Gardner, Ego Nwodim, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, and Emil Wakim, signaling a generational change in the ensemble.
| Returning Cast | New Featured Players |
|---|---|
| Kenan Thompson | Tommy Brennan |
| Mikey Day | Jeremy Culhane |
| Bowen Yang | Ben Marshall |
| Chloe Fineman | Kam Patterson |
| Sarah Sherman | Veronika Slowikowska |
This lineup reflects SNL’s renewed energy, with producers aiming to blend veteran stability and fresh comedic styles to attract both loyal viewers and younger audiences.
Bad Bunny Delivers a Charismatic Hosting Debut
Stepping into the spotlight as host, Bad Bunny proved he’s more than just a global music icon. His monologue combined humor and self-awareness, referencing his upcoming Super Bowl performance and recent media headlines with a wink.
Unexpected appearances by Jon Hamm and Benicio Del Toro added even more excitement, giving the episode a cinematic feel. The sketches that followed ranged from political satire to surreal pop culture parodies — a mix that resonated well with fans online.
Doja Cat Rocks the SNL Stage
The real showstopper of the night was Doja Cat, making her SNL debut as the SNL tonight musical guest. She performed two electrifying tracks from her new album — Aaahh Men! and Gorgeous — showcasing her signature blend of genre-bending pop and bold stagecraft.
Her first performance was visually stunning, featuring futuristic lighting and bold choreography. The second song toned things down, allowing her vocals to shine in a stripped-back setup. Social media exploded with praise, with fans calling it one of the most memorable SNL musical segments of recent years.
Highlights from the Premiere Episode
The cold open set a strong tone for the season, poking fun at U.S. politics and viral internet culture. Weekend Update remained sharp and topical, with Michael Che and Colin Jost tackling everything from global events to celebrity scandals.
Several sketches became instant fan favorites, including a fake commercial parody and a celebrity impression showdown led by Bowen Yang. Critics praised the episode’s balance of classic SNL humor and modern satire.
What’s Coming Next on SNL
The excitement doesn’t stop here. The next episodes of Season 51 promise an impressive lineup of stars:
| Air Date | Host | Musical Guest |
|---|---|---|
| October 11 | Amy Poehler | Role Model |
| October 18 | Sabrina Carpenter | Double duty (Host & Musical Guest) |
Amy Poehler’s return is set to celebrate the show’s 50th anniversary, while Sabrina Carpenter will join the rare list of artists pulling double duty — a sign of her skyrocketing fame.
Why This Premiere Matters
SNL’s latest premiere showed that after five decades, the show can still reinvent itself. The mix of Bad Bunny’s charm, Doja Cat’s high-energy performance, and a revamped cast delivered the perfect balance between nostalgia and new energy.
As the season unfolds, viewers are watching closely to see whether this new dynamic can maintain the show’s momentum and keep SNL at the center of America’s pop culture conversation.
