“Saturday Night Live” will open its 52nd season with a mix of an NBA champion, returning favorites and first-time hosts.
New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson will host the Sept. 26 premiere, marking his first appearance as host, with KATSEYE making its “SNL” debut as musical guest. Brunson enters the season after leading the Knicks to their first NBA championship in 53 years and earning 2026 NBA Finals MVP honors.
Dakota Johnson will follow on Oct. 3, hosting for the third time as she promotes her upcoming film “Verity,” which is scheduled to arrive in theaters Oct. 2. Rock band Turnstile will make its “SNL” musical-guest debut. On Oct. 10, comedian Shane Gillis will return for his third hosting stint, while Rosalía will make her second appearance as musical guest. Gillis’ return comes after Netflix renewed his comedy series “Tires” for a fourth season.
After a two-week hiatus, “SNL” will return Oct. 31 for a Halloween episode hosted by Inde Navarrette, who will make her debut as host. Navarrette is known for her role in the horror-thriller “Obsession” and is also set to appear in the upcoming “X-Men” film and “The Waffle House Index.” Gracie Abrams will serve as musical guest for the second time.
The initial Season 52 lineup continues the show’s combination of established performers and new talent, with KATSEYE and Turnstile making their first musical-guest appearances and Brunson and Navarrette making their hosting debuts. “SNL” returns Sept. 26 at 11:30 p.m. Eastern on NBC and streams live on Peacock, with additional hosts and musical guests expected to be announced later.
Editorial credit: noamgalai / Shutterstock.com