Saturday Night Live kicked off its 51st season last night, October 4, 2025, pulling in viewers with host Bad Bunny and musical guest Doja Cat. The Puerto Rican superstar, making his second hosting gig, brought his signature energy to Studio 8H, blending sketches that poked fun at pop culture and politics. Indeed, the cold open set the tone early, satirizing recent election buzz with a sharp edge that felt both timely and a bit risky. Bad Bunny's monologue, laced with bilingual flair, had the audience laughing, though some jokes landed awkwardly in the live format.
But the real buzz surrounds the cast changes. Four key players departed before the premiere: Devon Walker after three seasons, Emil Wakim after just one, Michael Longfellow following three years, and surprisingly, veteran Heidi Gardner after eight. Lorne Michaels, the show's enduring producer, hinted at these shifts weeks ago, calling them necessary for fresh blood. Newcomers like Ashley Hess and Jane Elizabeth join the roster, alongside returning staples such as Mikey Day and Ego Nwodim. Moreover, the season promises to hit the 1,000th episode milestone sometime in 2026, a feat that's equal parts celebratory and exhausting for the team.
The premiere sketches mixed highs and lows—Bad Bunny shone in a recurring character bit, but the pacing dragged in a digital trends parody. Doja Cat's performances, however, were electric, closing the show on a high note with tracks from her latest album. However, critics are already whispering about whether these cast exits signal deeper instability after the anniversary season's highs. The show's formula remains: live chaos, celebrity cameos, and that unpredictable spark.
Still, as SNL barrels into its sixth decade, one wonders if the formula can keep evolving without losing its bite.