NBA star Jalen Brunson hosts the season premiere of Saturday Night Live, featuring musical guest KATSEYE, airing on NBC.
Key facts
- •Jalen Brunson is the first NBA player to host Saturday Night Live since LeBron James in 2007.
- •The season premiere is scheduled for September 26, 2026, at 11:30 p.m. ET.
- •KATSEYE’s third EP, Wild, reached Number One on the Billboard 200 chart in August.
- •New cast members Saidah Belo-Osagie and Grace Reiter are joining the show for Season 52.
- •Peacock serves as the official streaming home for live episodes and past seasons of the series.
Saturday Night Live returns for its 52nd season on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC. The premiere episode features New York Knicks captain Jalen Brunson as host and the group KATSEYE as the musical guest, both making their debut appearances on the long-running sketch comedy program.
Host and Musical Guest Debuts
Jalen Brunson becomes the fifth NBA player in history to host the show, following Travis Kelce in 2023 and LeBron James in 2007. In promotional material for the episode, Brunson is shown attempting to enter Studio 8H using a key to the city. The musical guest, KATSEYE, performs amid recent lineup changes, including the absence of members Manon Bannerman and Sophia Laforteza.
Cast and Production Updates
The 52nd season introduces new cast members Saidah Belo-Osagie and Grace Reiter, while Jane Wickline and Ashley Padilla have been promoted to repertory players. The premiere follows a five-month hiatus for the series. Recent departures from the show include Chloe Fineman and Martin Herlihy, while Bowen Yang, who exited during the previous season, is currently performing on Broadway.
Viewing and Streaming Options
The episode will be broadcast live on NBC and simulcast on Peacock. Viewers without cable can access the premiere through live-TV streaming services that carry NBC, such as DirecTV, Fubo, Sling, and Hulu + Live TV. While Peacock does not offer a direct free trial, some DirecTV packages include a promotional offer for two months of Peacock access.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Hollywood Reporter, Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone.
