When does saturday night live return

On 22 September 2026, NBC officially confirmed that the long-running sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live will return for its 52nd season on Saturday, 3 October 2026. The announcement comes as the production team finalizes the initial lineup of hosts and musical guests for the upcoming fall cycle. Following the conclusion of the previous season, which saw significant shifts in the ensemble cast, the network indicated that the new season will feature a mix of returning fan-favorite performers and several new featured players joining the studio 8H stage. The premiere episode is expected to address current political developments and pop culture trends that have dominated the headlines throughout the summer months. Producers have emphasized that the show will maintain its traditional live format, continuing its legacy of topical satire and late-night entertainment. Fans can expect the standard weekly schedule to resume immediately following the premiere, with the show airing live across all time zones in the United States. Further details regarding the specific host for the season opener are expected to be revealed in the coming days.