Saturday Night Live is gearing up for its 50th season and announced its star cast on Wednesday ahead of the show’s premiere episode, which airs later this month on September 28.
The sketch comedy series announced three newcomers to the cast earlier this month, including Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim and Jane Wickline.
The premiere episode on September 28 will feature actress Jean Smart hosting for the first time, along with musical guest Jelly Roll, per Variety.
Smart, 73, is known for appearing in a number of projects in her career to date, including Frasier and the 2002 film Sweet Home Alabama. She currently stars in the HBO Max drama Hacks.
Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, will take the SNL stage for the first time ahead of the release of his album Beautifully Broken on Oct. 11.
Saturday Night Live is gearing up for its upcoming 50th season, unveiling its star-studded cast on Wednesday ahead of the premiere episode airing later this month on September 28; set to air in Las Vegas in April
Michael Keaton will host on October 19, along with musical guest Billie Eilish, who is no stranger to the sketch comedy series
The country musician shared the news on his Instagram page, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity.
“SNL season 50 premiere. BRB gonna cry for a few hours and call every family member I have. Bringing therapeutic music to my favorite show ever. God is good,” he wrote to his fans and followers.
On October 5, comedian Nate Bargatze will host the show for the second time, along with musical guest Coldplay.
A day earlier, on October 4, the rock band was set to release their 10th studio album, titled Moon Music.
The following week, on October 12, Ariana Grande will host the event for the second time, having previously done so in 2016.
The We Can’t Be Friends singer is joined during the episode by musical guest Stevie Nicks.
Michael Keaton will host on October 19, along with musical guest Billie Eilish, who is no stranger to the sketch comedy series.
This will mark the singer’s fourth time as a musical guest on SNL and will be promoting her third studio album, Hit Me Hard And Soft, which was released earlier this May.
The premiere episode on September 28 will feature actress Jean Smart hosting for the first time, along with musical guest Jelly Roll, according to Variety
The country musician shared the news on his Instagram page, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity
On October 5, comedian Nate Bargatze will host the show for the second time, along with musical guest Coldplay
The stand-up comedian will host the show for the sixth time and was previously a writer for SNL from 2008 to 2013; Mulaney will be seen in LA in January
On November 2, John Mulaney will host the episode and Chappell Roan will make her series debut as the musical guest.
The stand-up comedian is hosting the show for the sixth time and was previously a writer for SNL from 2008 to 2013.
The series’ 50th season features new cast members including Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim and Jane Wickline.
The casting comes after Chloe Troast left the sketch comedy series after one season, and Punkie Johnson and Molly Kearney also left the show.
Cast member Chloe Fineman spoke candidly about the newcomers during an interview with People earlier this month, and gave her advice.
‘Have fun. “Yeah…You’re kind of thrown into the fire,” she told the publication.
Last August, Johnson shared a video on Instagram announcing her departure, but explained there was “no bad blood.”
“How’s it going family? I just wanted to let you know that after four seasons, I will not be returning to SNL for the 50th season,” the star said at the beginning of the reel.
Cast member Chloe Fineman spoke out about the newcomers earlier this month during an interview with People and gave her advice; seen earlier this month in NYC
She revealed that she had already let the news of her departure slip by accidentally telling a fan, “I’m not coming back,” when asked about the 50th season.
“There’s no bad blood, there’s no burned bridges, there’s no hard feelings. Bro, I love my people. I didn’t think this would be a big deal. See, this is why Dave Chappelle makes people put their phones away [at his shows].
Punkie then added, “But SNL is a dream that I didn’t even know I could live out. Man, I got to be a part of one of the most elite institutions in comedy, and I’m so grateful for it.”
“They’re still my people. I love them. I go to the after parties, act like a plum fool. But my time there is over, and Punkie is out there now, y’all. But I love y’all and I appreciate y’all. Peace.”
Kearney also shared on Instagram: “You guys have concluded my time at SNL with this!” When I think back on the two amazing seasons I had on this show, it was a dream come true.’
‘So incredibly grateful for this time in my life. So much love for all my generous friends behind the scenes who make the magic happen every week. So many bald heads, so little time.’
Last month in August, Johnson took to Instagram to share a video announcing her departure, but explained that there was “no bad blood”; seen on SNL earlier this year in March
Kearney also shared on Instagram: “You guys have completed my time at SNL! Looking back on the amazing 2 seasons I had on this show, it was truly a dream come true”; seen on SNL in 2023
Molly continued, “It was a true honor to work with such a talented group of writers and LET’S NOT TALK ABOUT THE CAST.”
“Special shout out to my day 1 crew. Heads up and hearts out! Harold forever!!!!!” she added, referring to her co-stars Marcello Hernandez, Devon Walker and Michael Longfellow.
Notably, they joined Saturday Night Live with Molly in 2022, during the show’s 48th season.
In honor of SNL’s 50th season, a three-hour live special will air next year on February 16, 2025.