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Saturday Night Live Season 50: Release date; Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, & Jane Wickline join cast – Everything we know so far
Last updated September 26, 2024
Get ready for a thrilling celebration as SNL gears up for its monumental Saturday Night Live Season 50! In a wave of exciting news, the iconic sketch comedy show has announced new cast members Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, and Jane Wickline. They join a show that has become a staple of American television since its inception.
The last season concluded with a blend of laughter and heartfelt moments, setting the stage for what promises to be a landmark season filled with high-profile guest stars, retrospectives on beloved skits, and unforgettable musical performances.
As SNL prepares to return, fans can look forward to a slew of special events and programming celebrating its rich history, including a three-hour retrospective special in early 2025. This upcoming season is poised to deliver the witty humor and cultural commentary that SNL is known for, but with a celebratory twist that reflects on its legendary past.
Want to uncover all the details about this momentous season, including what the future holds for the cast and what surprises await? Stay tuned as we reveal more exciting updates and insights leading up to the premiere!
Release date & Where to Watch
Season 50 of Saturday Night Live premieres on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. It will air live on NBC at 11:30 p.m. ET and be available to stream on Peacock.
Access Saturday Night Live Season 50 Outside the US & from Anywhere
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Plot
As the 2024 presidential election looms, Saturday Night Live is gearing up to deliver politically charged skits reflecting on the current state of the U.S. Maya Rudolph is set to reprise her role as Vice President and new Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris, who steps into the presidential race after Joe Biden withdraws. With Tim Walz as Harris' running mate, speculation is high about which celebrity will portray the Minnesotan governor.
The 2024 election has given Saturday Night Live plenty of material to work with. After a dramatic political offseason—including the assassination attempt on Donald Trump and Joe Biden's resignation from the race—the show is set to tackle these events as it returns just ahead of Election Day.
Lorne Michaels, SNL’s creator, has promised a spectacular 50th season, with plans to bring back stars from all 50 years of the show. A live three-hour special commemorating the anniversary will air on NBC on Feb. 16, 2025. Michaels hinted this milestone season could mark his retirement, possibly handing the reins over to alum Tina Fey. Adding to the excitement, a movie about the creation of SNL’s first episode hits theaters on October 11, giving fans even more reasons to celebrate this iconic show.
Saturday Night Live Season 50 Cast
- Ashley Padilla (The Groundlings, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Night Court)
- Emil Wakim
- Jane Wickline (My First Film)
- Marcello Hernández
- Michael Longfellow
- Michael Che
- Mikey Day
- Andrew Dismukes
- Chloe Fineman
- Heidi Gardner
- James Austin Johnson
- Colin Jost
- Ego Nwodim
- Sarah Sherman
- Kenan Thompson
- Devon Walker
- Bowen Yang
- Maya Rudolph as Vice President and new Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris
The cast members not returning are Chloe Troast, Punkie Johnson, and Molly Kearney.
Trailer
Episode Guide
- Season 50 Episode 1: Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024
- Season 50 Episode 2: Saturday, Oct 05, 2024
- Season 50 Episode 3: Saturday, Oct 12, 2024
- Season 50 Episode 4: Saturday, Oct 19, 2024
- Season 50 Episode 5: Saturday, Nov 02, 2024
Hosts and Musical Guests
There hasn't been any official word yet on the musical performers or celebrity hosts for SNL season 50, but announcements are expected soon as the season's premiere approaches. According to a tip from Deuxmoi, Glen Powell could be hosting the premiere. Powell had previously been invited to host during the release of Top Gun: Maverick and he also made a cameo during Sydney Sweeney's episode. According to the same source, comedian Nikki Glaser is another possible host for the premiere.
There are also rumors that actors Dylan O’Brien, Natasha Lyonne, Kyle Mooney, and gymnast Simone Biles will potentially be hosting episodes this season. Additionally, Eddie Murphy is reportedly in talks to host the holiday episode, with Taylor Swift as the musical guest. Swift, who wraps up her Eras tour on December 8, is rumored to return to SNL, having previously been both host and musical guest multiple times.
Last season's lineup featured musical guests like Sabrina Carpenter, Dua Lipa, Travis Scott, and Ariana Grande, along with hosts such as Ryan Gosling, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Sydney Sweeney. More official announcements for season 50 are expected soon!
Why did Punkie Johnson, Molly Kearney, and Chloe Troast Leave SNL?
So far, three cast members have announced their departure from SNL ahead of season 50. On Aug. 2, Punkie Johnson revealed on Instagram that she would not be returning to the show. "It’s no bad blood, it’s no bridges burnt, it’s no hard feelings," she said. Johnson, who joined in 2020, expressed gratitude for her time on SNL, calling it a dream she didn't know she could achieve.
Later that day, Molly Kearney, the show’s first non-binary cast member who joined in 2022, also announced their exit. Kearney shared on social media, "Y'all, that’s a wrap on my time on SNL! Reflecting on the amazing two seasons I got on this show, it was such a dream come true."
Finally, on Sept. 9, Chloe Troast, who was the only new cast member added last season, announced she would not be returning for season 50. In an Instagram post, she expressed sadness about not being asked back but thanked her fans and everyone who supported her.
Will Saturday Night Live Season 50 be the Final Season?
There have been rumors swirling that Saturday Night Live might end after its 50th season, but nothing has been officially confirmed. Kenan Thompson addressed this speculation, calling it "the elephant in the room" during an interview with Bleeding Cool. He explained that while the current cast may not feel the pressure, the real concern is about the show's future. Thompson added, "I’d love for it to keep going, with or without me, but honestly, no one really knows what’s next."
Will There be an SNL Anniversary Celebration?
Yes, SNL is planning a massive celebration for its 50th anniversary. During last year’s Cannes Lions Festival, creator Lorne Michaels revealed that the festivities will begin in the summer of 2024, coinciding with NBC’s coverage of the Paris Olympics. In a separate interview, Michaels promised that the anniversary show would feature appearances from cast members spanning the show’s entire history. "The 50th will be a major event. We'll bring back cast members, hosts, and more from across all 50 years," he said, adding that it will be an emotional and powerful reunion.
The celebration will also include a special event at Radio City Music Hall, which Michaels referred to as “a kind of homecoming,” complete with musical acts and performances by stand-up comedians. He emphasized the significance of the occasion, stating that “everyone will show up because it’s important." Planning has been underway for over six months, with more events lined up as the date approaches. In addition to live performances and iconic bands, documentaries will also be produced for the celebration. It will all kick off with the Paris Olympics, marking the official start of the year-long tribute to SNL’s legendary run.
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