SNL Plans Cast Shakeup for Season 51 Premiere

Lorne Michaels, the creator of Saturday Night Live (SNL), is planning significant changes for Season 51, which premieres on NBC on October 4, 2025. Following the milestone 50th season, Michaels feels pressure to reinvent the show and will announce cast shakeups soon, though comedian James Austin Johnson will return to reprise his role as President Donald Trump. Michaels, who remains committed to the program at age 80, has been involving more team members in creative decisions and is not concerned about AI impacting the show's direction. As SNL approaches its 1000th episode, the ticket lottery for Season 51 is open, and the show continues to stream new episodes on Peacock after airing live on NBC. Additionally, moments when cast members break character and laugh during live sketches remain rare but offer fans a unique glimpse into the chemistry and spontaneity behind the scenes. Season 50 specials are up for 30 Emmy awards, underscoring the show's continued cultural relevance and success.