Saturday Night Live is gearing up for its upcoming 50th season and revealed its star-studded lineup on Wednesday ahead of the first episode airing later this month on Sept. 28.
The sketch comedy series notably announced three new cast members earlier this month, including Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, and Jane Wickline.
During the premiere episode on September 28, actress Jean Smart will take over hosting duties for the first time alongside musical guest Jelly Roll. Variety.
Smart, 73, is known for starring in several projects throughout her career so far, 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 October 11.
Saturday Night Live is gearing up for its upcoming 50th season and revealed the star-studded lineup on Wednesday ahead of the first episode airing later this month on September 28; seen in April in Las Vegas
Michael Keaton will host on October 19 alongside musical guest Billie Eilish, who is no stranger to the sketch comedy series.
The country music artist shared the news on his main Instagram page and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity.
“SNL Season 50 Premiere. I’ll be back, I’m going to cry for a few hours and call all my family members. I’m bringing some therapeutic music to my favorite show. God is good,” she wrote to her fans and followers.
On October 5, comedian Nate Bargatze will host the show for the second time, alongside musical guest Coldplay.
The day before, on October 4, the rock band is scheduled to release their tenth studio album titled Moon Music.
The following week, on October 12, Ariana Grande will take over hosting duties for the second time, having previously done so in 2016.
The We Can’t Be Friends singer will be joined by musical guest Stevie Nicks during the episode.
Michael Keaton will host on October 19 alongside musical guest Billie Eilish, who is no stranger to sketch comedy series.
It will be the singer’s fourth time appearing on SNL as a musical guest and will be promoting her third studio album, Hit Me Hard And Soft, which was released earlier this year in May.
During the premiere episode on Sept. 28, actress Jean Smart will take over hosting duties for the first time alongside musical guest Jelly Roll, according to Variety.
The country music artist shared the news on his main Instagram page and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity.
On October 5, comedian Nate Bargatze will host the show for the second time, joined by 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 was spotted in January in Los Angeles.
On November 2, John Mulaney will host the episode and Chappell Roan will make her first appearance on the series as a musical guest.
The comedian will host the show for the sixth time and was previously a writer for SNL from 2008 to 2013.
During the show’s 50th season, new cast members will appear including Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, and also Jane Wickline.
Her casting comes after Chloe Troast left the sketch comedy series after one season, with Punkie Johnson and Molly Kearney also departing the show.
Cast member Chloe Fineman spoke about the newcomers during an interview with People Earlier this month, and gave him his advice.
‘Enjoy. ‘Yes… It’s like you’ve been thrown into the fire,’ he told the publication.
Last month in August, Johnson took to Instagram to share a video announcing his departure, but explained that there was “no hard feelings.”
“What’s up, folks? I just wanted to let you know that after four seasons, I won’t be returning to SNL for the 50th season,” the star said at the beginning of the video.
Cast member Chloe Fineman opened up about the newcomers during an interview with People earlier this month and gave her advice; spotted earlier this month in New York
She revealed that she had already revealed the news of her departure by accidentally telling a fan, “I’m not coming back,” when asked about the 50th season.
“There’s no bad blood, no bridges burned, no hard feelings. Bro, I love my people. I didn’t think any of this was gonna be a big deal. See, this is why Dave Chappelle makes people lock their phones (at his shows).”
Punkie added: “But SNL has been a dream come true that I didn’t even know I could achieve. Man, I was a part of one of the most elite institutions in comedy and I’m so grateful for that.”
‘They’re still my people. I love them. I’ll be at the after parties, making a fool of myself. But my time there is over and Punkie is out. But I love and appreciate them all. Peace.’
Kearney also shared on Instagram: ‘Guys, that concludes my time on SNL! ‘As I reflect on the two incredible seasons I was on this show, it was a dream come true.’
‘I am incredibly grateful for this period of my life. Much love to all my big-hearted friends who are behind the scenes and make the magic happen every week. So many bald spots, so little time.
Last month in August, Johnson took to Instagram to share a video to announce his exit, but explained that there was “no bad blood”; seen on SNL earlier this year in March.
Kearney also shared on Instagram: ‘Guys, that’s all I’ve done on SNL! As I reflect on the amazing 2 seasons I was on this show, it was a dream come true’; seen on SNL in 2023
Molly continued: “It was a real honour to work with such a talented group of writers and don’t even get me started on the cast.”
“A special thanks to my day one crew. Heads up high and hearts up high! Harold forever!” he added, referring to his 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.
To celebrate SNL’s 50th season, a three-hour live special will air next year on February 16, 2025.