What Time Is SNL Tonight? Bad Bunny Returns to Host Saturday Night Live Season 51 Premiere with Doja Cat as Musical Guest
After a long summer break, Saturday Night Live is finally back on NBC with its much-anticipated Season 51 premiere. Fans are buzzing with excitement as the beloved comedy show returns with fresh faces, a star host, and a surprise musical lineup. Here’s everything to know about what time is SNL tonight, who’s hosting, and how to watch live or online.
What Time Is SNL Tonight and Where to Watch
The new season of Saturday Night Live airs tonight, October 4, 2025, at 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) and 10:30 p.m. Central Time (CT) on NBC.
For West Coast viewers, the show broadcasts live at 8:30 p.m. Pacific Time (PT), marking another year of coast-to-coast coverage.
If you prefer streaming, you can catch SNL live on Peacock, NBC’s official platform. The full episode will also be available for replay the following morning.
Ways to Watch SNL Tonight:
| Platform | Availability | Live Broadcast |
|---|---|---|
| NBC (Cable or Antenna) | Nationwide | 11:30 p.m. ET |
| Peacock | Streaming | Live + Replay |
| Hulu + Live TV | Streaming | Live |
| YouTube TV | Streaming | Live |
| fuboTV | Streaming | Live |
| Sling TV | Streaming | Live |
Who Is Hosting Saturday Night Live Tonight?
The Season 51 premiere is hosted by Bad Bunny, the global Latin superstar who previously appeared as both host and musical guest in 2023. His return marks one of the most anticipated SNL openings in recent years. Known for his vibrant energy and comedic timing, Bad Bunny is expected to bring a dynamic presence to Studio 8H.
Joining him is Doja Cat as the musical guest, performing on the SNL stage for the first time. Her debut is already generating buzz among fans, with speculation about which songs she’ll perform from her latest chart-topping album.
Meet the New SNL Cast Members
Season 51 introduces several new featured players, adding fresh humor and perspective to the show’s legendary ensemble. The newcomers include:
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Tommy Brennan
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Jeremy Culhane
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Kam Patterson
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Veronika Slowikowska
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Ben Marshall
These rising comedians are expected to bring new energy and sketch styles to the late-night staple. With a mix of online comedy backgrounds and improv experience, they join a team that continues to evolve while honoring SNL’s long legacy.
Who Left the Cast Before Season 51
Every SNL season brings both arrivals and departures. This year, several longtime members have officially stepped away, including:
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Heidi Gardner, after eight memorable seasons
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Ego Nwodim
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Devon Walker
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Michael Longfellow
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Emil Wakim
Their exits mark the end of an era for some of the show’s most beloved sketch performers, but also make space for new voices and comedic experimentation.
What to Expect in the Season 51 Premiere
With Saturday Night Live now entering its 51st year, tonight’s premiere carries symbolic weight. The show has survived shifting cultural moments, political changes, and evolving comedy styles — and it’s still going strong.
Industry watchers expect the season to tackle major topics dominating current headlines, from politics to pop culture, with the same sharp wit SNL is known for. Early hints suggest that the cold open might feature political satire ahead of the U.S. elections, followed by a mix of sketches highlighting Bad Bunny’s acting chops and Doja Cat’s signature flair.
Why Fans Are Excited for Tonight’s Episode
Beyond curiosity about what time is SNL tonight, viewers are eager for the chemistry between Bad Bunny and Doja Cat. The pairing of one of music’s most charismatic performers with one of its most unpredictable stars promises unforgettable moments.
Saturday Night Live has long been a launchpad for viral sketches, unexpected collaborations, and breakthrough performances. With the milestone 51st season now underway and the 1,000th episode milestone on the horizon, tonight’s show marks the beginning of a fresh chapter for America’s longest-running sketch comedy series.
