Is tonight's "SNL" new? You betcha! After a hiatus since the Christmas-themed episode on December 16, 2023, NBC's late-night sketch comedy is back with a fresh episode. This Saturday night's show features Jacob Elordi from "Saltburn" as the host and the musical guest is the fantastic Reneé Rapp. In the promo video for "SNL," Elordi seems a bit baffled when Rapp and Bowen Yang playfully comment on his "babygirl" energy.
Let’s take a quick peek at the regular cast members for "Saturday Night Live" Season 49. In credits order, we have Michael Che, Mikey Day, Andrew Dismukes, Chloe Fineman, Heidi Gardner, James Austin Johnson, Punkie Johnson, Colin Jost, Ego Nwodim, Sarah Sherman, Kenan Thompson, and Bowen Yang. And let’s not forget the featured players: Marcello Hernandez, Molly Kearney, Michael Longfellow, Chloe Troast, and Devon Walker. In a show of solidarity, none of the cast members from last year’s strike-truncated 48th cycle have left, except for Cecily Strong, who bid adieu mid-season.
Speaking of strikes, the Writers Guild of America strike lasted from May 2 to September 27, while the SAG-AFTRA strike ran from July 14 to November 9. Interestingly, "SNL" actors were allowed to work during October since the show doesn't fall under the Screen Actors Guild's jurisdiction. While picketing continued elsewhere, the "SNL" crew kept the laughs rolling.
"Saturday Night Live's" Weekend Update remains in capable hands with the dynamic duo of Colin Jost and Michael Che, holding it down since September 2014. They officially became the longest-serving Weekend Update team as of the 47th season two years ago.
Notably, at the latest Emmy Awards, "Saturday Night Live" secured its 93rd trophy, making it the most awarded program in Television Academy history. Just to put things in perspective, the next closest contender is "Game of Thrones" with 59 Emmys.
As we gear up for tonight's episode, let’s also glance back at the previous hosts and musical guests for "SNL" Season 49:
- #4901 — Pete Davidson / Ice Spice — October 14, 2023
- #4902 — Bad Bunny / Bad Bunny — October 21, 2023
- #4903 — Nate Bargatze / Foo Fighters — October 28, 2023
- #4904 — Timothée Chalamet / Boygenius — November 11, 2023
- #4905 — Jason Momoa / Tate McRae — November 18, 2023
Get ready for the laughs and tunes! It’s going to be a good one.