Bad Bunny Hosts SNL Season 51 Premiere as Doja Cat Performs
When Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican chart‑topping star, stepped onto Saturday Night Live's legendary stage for the first time in two years, the whole country tuned in.
The episode aired live from Studio 8H at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City on October 4, 2025, kicking off the show’s 51st season. Broadcast at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC and streamed a few minutes later on Peacock, the kickoff paired the bilingual rapper with a first‑time musical guest: Doja Cat.
Season 51 Launch: Bad Bunny and Doja Cat Take the Stage
The night felt like a celebration of pop culture’s newest crossroads. Bad Bunny, whose real name is Roberto Luis Martínez Bermúdez, opened the show with a high‑energy monologue that riffed on everything from TikTok trends to his own meteoric rise in the U.S. market. His jokes landed, especially when he teased the infamous "SNL" goose‑step tradition—audiences laughed, and the social‑media buzz was immediate.
Later, Doja Cat closed the broadcast with a performance of her latest single "Planetary" followed by a surprise acoustic rendition of "Say So," complete with neon‑lit strings and a brief cameo by a backup dancer dressed like a classic SNL cast member. It was a calculated move by the producers: the show has long leaned into current chart‑toppers to keep the demographic fresh, and Doja’s genre‑bending sound fit perfectly alongside Bad Bunny’s reggaeton swagger.
Cast Shifts: Who’s In, Who’s Out
Beyond the star power on the couch, the season brings a reshuffle that feels like a mid‑season draft. Long‑time players Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, and Emil Wakim departed after Season 50. Their exits open space for five fresh faces—though the network has kept the names under wraps for now.
The returning core includes veterans like Mikey Day, Chloe Fineman, and Kenan Thompson. Their chemistry remains the glue that holds the live‑sketch format together, especially as the show experiments with more digital‑first sketches aimed at platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts.
Returning Favorites: Weekend Update and Alumni Hosts
Anchoring the news parody corner, Michael Che and Colin Jost clocked another year as the longest‑running co‑anchor duo on "Weekend Update." Their rapport—equal parts biting satire and goofy banter—still feels fresh, even after more than a decade.
And just when you thought the season’s lineup was set, the show announced the return of alum Amy Poehler for the October 11 episode. Poehler, a former featured player turned headliner, will host with rapper Role Model as the musical guest. Poehler’s homecoming is a nod to SNL’s tradition of bringing back beloved alumni, a strategy that often spikes viewership among nostalgic fans.
What the Changes Mean for SNL’s Future
Season 51 arrives at a turning point for live television. The blend of global music icons like Bad Bunny with viral internet sensations underscores the show's bid to stay relevant in a streaming‑first world. NBC’s decision to air the premiere simultaneously on Peacock also hints at a dual‑distribution model that could become permanent.
Industry analysts say the new featured players—once revealed—will likely bring a heavier emphasis on sketch writing that leans into political satire, a genre that has historically driven ratings spikes during election years. With 2026 midterm elections looming, the writers’ room may already be drafting mock debates and campaign ads.
Behind the Scenes: Production and Streaming Details
Producing a live show in a pandemic‑post world still carries logistical quirks. The crew, led by long‑time executive producer Lorne Michaels, adheres to a tight rehearsal schedule: three days of script table work, two days of technical run‑throughs, and a final dress rehearsal on Friday night. This cadence ensures the audience’s laughter cues are captured in real time—a crucial element for the home‑viewer experience.
After the Saturday broadcast, each episode drops to Peacock the following morning, giving binge‑watchers a chance to catch missed sketches. The platform also adds behind‑the‑scenes clips and deleted scenes, a feature that has helped retain younger viewers who prefer on‑demand content.
Overall, the combination of star‑studded hosts, a refreshed cast, and a clear streaming strategy signals that Saturday Night Live isn’t just surviving—it’s evolving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did NBC choose Bad Bunny for the Season 51 premiere?
Bad Bunny’s global streaming numbers and recent U.S. chart success make him a magnet for younger audiences. NBC hopes his bilingual humor will broaden the show’s demographic reach, especially among Hispanic viewers who have been under‑represented in past line‑ups.
How does Doja Cat’s performance fit into SNL’s musical‑guest strategy?
Doja Cat tops several streaming charts and has a reputation for genre‑blending hits. By pairing her with Bad Bunny, SNL creates a cross‑genre appeal that can attract both pop and Latin‑music fans, reinforcing the show’s goal of staying culturally current.
What impact do the new featured players have on the show’s comedy style?
While the names are still under wraps, insiders say the newcomers bring strong improv backgrounds and a knack for digital sketch formats. Expect more short‑form, meme‑ready bits that can be clipped for social media, complementing the longer, traditional sketches.
Will Amy Poehler’s return affect future host selections?
Poehler’s comeback highlights NBC’s willingness to recycle beloved alumni for ratings boosts. If the episode pulls strong numbers, the network may schedule more former cast members as hosts, balancing fresh faces with nostalgic draws.
How can viewers watch the Season 51 episodes after the live broadcast?
Episodes are uploaded to Peacock the morning after the Saturday night airing. Subscribers can stream the full episode, plus extra behind‑the‑scenes footage, on any supported device.