Daily News 19

Tag: Saturday Night Live

  • Jalen Brunson Hosts SNL Season 52 Premiere: How to Watch for Free

    Jalen Brunson Hosts SNL Season 52 Premiere: How to Watch for Free

    Key Highlights

    • NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” has officially launched its 52nd season, marking over five decades of live sketch comedy broadcast from New York City.
    • The season premiere continues the show’s longstanding tradition of originating live from Studio 8H at 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
    • As the longest-running late-night sketch comedy series in American television history, the milestone season underscores the program’s enduring cultural relevance.

    Season 52 Kicks Off From Studio 8H

    NBC has confirmed the debut of the 52nd season of “Saturday Night Live,” with the premiere episode broadcasting live from New York. The announcement, delivered in the program’s iconic opening cadence — “Live from New York, it’s the Season 52 premiere of ‘Saturday Night Live!’” — signals the continuation of a television institution that has shaped American comedy and political satire since its 1975 inception. The season premiere aired from the program’s historic home at Studio 8H inside 30 Rockefeller Plaza, maintaining the live-to-air format that has defined the series for more than half a century.

    A Legacy of Live Television

    Since its debut on October 11, 1975, under original producer Lorne Michaels, “Saturday Night Live” has aired more than 900 episodes across 51 previous seasons. The series has launched the careers of generations of comedic talent, from the original “Not Ready for Prime Time Players” — including Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, and Dan Aykroyd — through subsequent eras led by performers such as Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Kate McKinnon, and Kenan Thompson, who currently holds the record for longest-tenured cast member. The show’s format, blending topical sketch comedy, musical performances, and the signature “Weekend Update” news parody, has proven remarkably resilient amid shifting media landscapes.

    Why This Matters

    The arrival of Season 52 reinforces “Saturday Night Live’s” status as a cultural barometer and a primary platform for real-time comedic response to national and global events. In an era of fragmented viewership and on-demand streaming, the program remains one of the few appointment-viewing live broadcasts on network television. Its season premieres traditionally set the tonal agenda for the year ahead, introducing new cast members, debuting recurring characters, and establishing the satirical lens through which the show will cover election cycles, pop culture moments, and breaking news. For NBC, the franchise remains a cornerstone of its late-night lineup and a critical asset for digital clip distribution across social platforms, where SNL segments routinely generate tens of millions of views.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When did Season 52 of “Saturday Night Live” premiere?
    The RSS source announces the Season 52 premiere but does not specify the exact air date. Season premieres typically occur in late September or early October; consult NBC’s official schedule for the confirmed date.
    Who is hosting the Season 52 premiere?
    The provided source does not identify the host or musical guest for the premiere episode. “Saturday Night Live” traditionally announces its host and musical guest pairings on a weekly basis leading up to each broadcast.
    Where is “Saturday Night Live” broadcast from?
    The show originates live from Studio 8H at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City, as confirmed by the “Live from New York” opening declaration in the source announcement.
  • Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost Make Rare Red Carpet Appearance

    Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost Make Rare Red Carpet Appearance

    Key Highlights

    • Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost made a rare joint public appearance in New York City
    • The couple attended a screening for one of Johansson’s projects
    • The outing marks a notable public moment for the typically private Hollywood couple

    Johansson and Jost Step Out for New York Screening

    Marvel star Scarlett Johansson and Saturday Night Live veteran Colin Jost made a uncommon joint appearance in New York City this week, turning heads at a screening event for one of the actress’s upcoming projects. The couple, who married in 2020 after several years of dating, typically maintain a low public profile despite their combined status as entertainment industry heavyweights.

    A Rare Glimpse at Hollywood’s Private Power Couple

    The Avengers franchise alum and the longtime SNL head writer and “Weekend Update” anchor arrived together at the Manhattan venue, presenting a united front at what industry insiders consider a significant professional milestone for Johansson. While the specific project being screened was not disclosed in initial reports, the appearance signals promotional activity ramping up for one of the Oscar-nominated actress’s forthcoming releases.

    Johansson, who has headlined blockbuster franchises including the Marvel Cinematic Universe and earned Academy Award nominations for Marriage Story and Jojo Rabbit, has been selectively visible on the red carpet circuit in recent years. Jost, a Harvard graduate who has anchored SNL‘s “Weekend Update” since 2014 and published a bestselling memoir in 2022, similarly balances public-facing comedy work with a preference for privacy regarding his personal life.

    Why This Matters

    Joint public appearances by Johansson and Jost remain newsworthy precisely because of their scarcity. The couple represents a convergence of film prestige and late-night comedy institutional power, yet they have consistently resisted the celebrity couple industrial complex that dominates entertainment media. Their decision to appear together at a professional screening—rather than a premiere, awards show, or charity gala—suggests a deliberate, work-focused approach to public visibility. For industry observers, the outing may signal the beginning of a promotional cycle for Johansson’s next major project, with Jost’s presence underscoring their real-life partnership amid dual career trajectories that rarely intersect professionally.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What project were Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost attending a screening for?
    The specific project was not identified in initial reports. Johansson has several productions in various stages of release, including potential 2024-2025 titles.
    How often do Johansson and Jost make public appearances together?
    Rarely. The couple, married since 2020, maintains a notably private profile and seldom walks red carpets or attends industry events as a pair.
    Where did the screening take place?
    The event was held in New York City, though the specific venue was not disclosed in the source material.
  • All the Changes Saturday Night Live Made for Season 52

    All the Changes Saturday Night Live Made for Season 52

    Key Highlights

    • Saturday Night Live returns for its 52nd season on September 26 with what sources describe as a “relatively minor refresh” compared to previous fall overhauls.
    • The season premiere will feature New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson in a prominent role, marking a crossover between the NBA and the long-running NBC sketch institution.
    • Despite entering its sixth decade on air, the series continues its tradition of seasonal reinvention while maintaining its core live-format identity.

    SNL Enters 52nd Season With Measured Evolution Rather Than Radical Overhaul

    As the television landscape braces for another fall lineup, Saturday Night Live is charting a course of deliberate continuity. The NBC cornerstone, which has anchored late-night comedy since 1975, returns for its 52nd season on September 26 with what industry observers characterize as a “relatively minor refresh” — a notable departure from the more dramatic cast shakeups and structural reinventions that have marked previous milestone seasons.

    Strategic Stability in a Fragmented Media Environment

    The decision to pursue evolutionary rather than revolutionary change reflects a calculated bet on institutional stability. While streaming platforms and algorithm-driven content have fractured traditional viewership, SNL has maintained its cultural relevance through a combination of live-event urgency, viral clip economics, and an uncanny ability to launch breakout talent. The show’s producers appear to be signaling confidence in the current ensemble and creative direction, opting to refine rather than replace the formula that has sustained the franchise across six presidential administrations.

    Knicks Star Jalen Brunson Bridges Sports and Sketch Comedy

    The season premiere’s booking of New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson represents a continuation of SNL‘s long-standing practice of integrating major sports figures into its cultural fabric. Brunson, who emerged as the face of the Knicks’ resurgence following his 2022 free-agency arrival and subsequent All-NBA recognition, brings a distinct New York narrative thread to Studio 8H. His appearance continues a lineage that includes everyone from Peyton Manning to LeBron James, athletes who have used the SNL stage to showcase comedic range while the show benefits from their built-in fanbases and crossover appeal.

    The Calculus of Celebrity Hosting in Season 52

    Brunson’s casting also illuminates the evolving calculus of SNL hosting selections. In an era where traditional movie-star vehicles have diminished and athletes command social-media followings that dwarf many Hollywood leading men, the show has increasingly turned to sports icons who possess both regional loyalty (critical for the New York–centric live audience) and national name recognition. The Knicks’ resurgence at Madison Square Garden has restored the franchise to cultural prominence, making Brunson a logical avatar for the city’s current sports zeitgeist.

    Why This Matters

    Saturday Night Live‘s 52nd season arrives at a pivotal inflection point for network television. As NBCUniversal navigates the dual imperatives of linear ratings and Peacock streaming growth, SNL serves as a rare hybrid asset: a live linear event that generates next-day digital clips, podcast fodder, and social-media conversation. The “minor refresh” strategy suggests the show’s leadership believes the current cast — which has weathered post-pandemic transitions and the departure of several long-tenured players — has achieved a creative equilibrium worth preserving. For advertisers, the premiere’s sports–entertainment crossover with Brunson offers a demographic bridge between traditional TV viewers and the younger, digitally native audiences that have proven elusive for legacy programming. The season’s trajectory will be closely watched as a bellwether for whether appointment-viewing comedy can survive in an on-demand era without sacrificing its live DNA.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When does Saturday Night Live Season 52 premiere?

    The 52nd season of Saturday Night Live premieres on September 26 on NBC.

    Who is the confirmed guest for the season premiere?

    New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson is featured in the season premiere.

    What changes are expected for Season 52?

    Sources describe the updates as a “relatively minor refresh” rather than a major overhaul, suggesting continuity with the current cast and format.

  • Jalen Brunson, KATSEYE Deliver Impressively Deadpan Performances in New SNL Promo

    Jalen Brunson, KATSEYE Deliver Impressively Deadpan Performances in New SNL Promo

    Key Highlights

    • New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson appeared in the Emmy Awards opening segment alongside Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay.
    • Brunson announced he will host the season premiere of Saturday Night Live with musical guests KATSEYE.
    • In a promotional clip, Brunson delivers a deadpan exchange with SNL cast member Marcello Hernández, showcasing his comedic timing.

    Brunson Steps Into the Spotlight at the Emmys

    New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson is proving his range extends well beyond the hardwood. The NBA All-Star made a surprise appearance during the Emmy Awards’ opening musical number, sharing the stage with television veteran Mariska Hargitay. The segment served as a high-profile platform to reveal his next major off-court venture: hosting the season premiere of Saturday Night Live.

    SNL Hosting Gig Announced With KATSEYE as Musical Guests

    The promotional clip released in conjunction with the Emmys broadcast confirms Brunson will emcee the long-running sketch show’s first episode of the new season. He will be joined by the global girl group KATSEYE as the musical guests. In the video, Brunson introduces the news with a straight-faced delivery that immediately signals his comfort with the show’s signature humor.

    “I’m Jalen Brunson, and I’ll be hosting the season premiere of SNL with musical guests KATSEYE,” he says in the clip above, before cast member Marcello Hernández tells him to try “a silly one.”

    “That was a silly one,” comes the deadpan response.

    From NBA All-Star to Comedy Contender

    The appearance marks a significant crossover moment for Brunson, who has emerged as the face of the Knicks franchise since signing with New York in 2022. Known for his clutch performances and leadership on the court, the Villanova product is now testing his chops in live sketch comedy—a arena that has challenged even seasoned entertainers. The interaction with Hernández, a breakout star on the current SNL roster, suggests the writing staff is already tailoring material to Brunson’s understated, dry wit.

    Why This Matters

    Brunson’s hosting slot continues a long tradition of elite athletes leveraging their cultural capital to host SNL, following figures like LeBron James, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady. However, his booking comes at a unique inflection point: the Knicks are legitimate championship contenders, Brunson is ascending the NBA’s elite tier, and the league’s intersection with pop culture has never been tighter. The pairing with KATSEYE—a group formed via the survival show The Debut: Dream Academy under HYBE and Geffen Records—also underscores SNL’s strategy of bridging traditional sports audiences with the global K-pop and gen-Z demographics that drive social conversation.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When will Jalen Brunson host Saturday Night Live?
    Brunson is set to host the season premiere of SNL, though the specific air date was not disclosed in the Emmys announcement clip.
    Who are the musical guests for Brunson’s episode?
    The global girl group KATSEYE will serve as the musical guests for the season premiere hosted by Brunson.
    Has Jalen Brunson done comedy or acting before?
    While this marks his highest-profile comedy booking to date, the Emmys clip and his deadpan exchange with Marcello Hernández suggest he possesses natural comedic timing, though no prior major acting or hosting credits were cited in the source material.
  • Pete Davidson Shares Emotional Video 25 Years After Dad’s Death on 9/11

    Pete Davidson Shares Emotional Video 25 Years After Dad’s Death on 9/11

    Pete Davidson has honored his late father, Scott Davidson, with a heartfelt tribute marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The comedian and actor was only seven years old when his father, a 33-year-old New York City firefighter, was killed while responding to the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Scott Davidson was among the 2,977 lives lost that day.

    UNIITE For Good Campaign

    To commemorate the milestone anniversary, Davidson has become the face of the UNIITE For Good campaign, launched by the non-profit organization 9/11 Day. The initiative aims to transform remembrance into action by encouraging acts of service and unity. In a video released on the charity’s website, the 32-year-old Saturday Night Live alumnus shared his personal story.

    “25 years ago, my dad, Scott Davidson, was killed on 9/11. He was a firefighter for Ladder 118, Engine 205 in Brooklyn Heights.”

    Davidson added that his father loved being a firefighter and he loved saving people, as he did on that day. Acknowledging the annual difficulty of the date, he noted, 9/11 is usually a tough day, but credited 9/11 Day for something cool where you do a good deed for someone and you pass it along.

    “Together, let’s show up for each other,” he continued. “I think my dad would have loved that.”

    He concluded the emotional message with the campaign’s central call to action:

    “Let’s unite for good.”

    Rekindling Unity After 25 Years

    David Paine, president and co-founder of 9/11 Day, emphasized the campaign’s broader mission in a statement.

    “25 years after 9/11, at a moment when Americans feel deeply divided, we believe there is no more meaningful tribute than to rekindle the remarkable spirit of unity and goodness that transformed America and much of the world in the days following the attacks.”

    “We are honoured to have Pete Davidson help share his story, and encourage Americans and others to join together as we did 25 years ago, and remember by doing good.”

    A Personal Legacy: Naming His Daughter Scottie

    Over the years, Davidson has spoken candidly about his grief and the lasting impact of his father’s death, previously revealing that Scott had promised to pick him up on that fateful morning. In December 2024, Davidson and his former partner, Elsie Hewitt, welcomed their daughter, Scottie Rose Hewitt Davidson, a deliberate tribute to his father.

    Speaking to the New York Post, Davidson explained the choice:

    “My dad’s name was Scott, but his nickname was Scotty.”

    “When she arrived, we both looked at her and were like, ‘She looks like a Scottie’. It’s nice to keep that name alive.”

    Fatherhood Adds New Weight to the Anniversary

    Davidson described why the 25th anniversary feels particularly poignant now that he is a parent himself.

    “I thought, ‘Oh, he was an old guy. He’s 33,’” he said of his father. “But now I’m there, and I have a kid, and that would be like my kid not having her dad.”

    He summarized the complex emotions of the milestone:

    “So this year is extra tough, but also extra beautiful because I get to spend the day with Scottie. It’ll be very healing and special.”

    Support Resources: If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.

  • NBA Champion Jalen Brunson to Host ‘Saturday Night Live’

    NBA Champion Jalen Brunson to Host ‘Saturday Night Live’

    Newly crowned NBA champion Jalen Brunson will make his hosting debut on Saturday Night Live when the long-running sketch comedy series returns for its 50th season later this month.

    Knicks Star Takes Center Stage at Studio 8H

    The New York Knicks point guard, who led the franchise to its first NBA championship in 53 years this past June, is set to host the season premiere on September 26. Pop girl group Katseye will serve as the musical guest for the episode.

    Brunson earned NBA Finals MVP honors after delivering a historic 45-point performance in Game 5 to clinch the series victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

    Sports Legends Follow a Storied SNL Tradition

    The booking continues a decades-long tradition of athletes hosting the NBC staple. Since the show debuted in 1975, sports icons such as Bill Russell, Deion Sanders, Derek Jeter, Charles Barkley, Peyton Manning, Travis Kelce, and Tom Brady have all taken the stage at Studio 8H.

    How to Watch

    Saturday Night Live airs live coast-to-coast at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC and streams simultaneously on Peacock.

    Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

  • ‘SNL’ Star Departs Series After 5 Seasons, Report Says

    ‘SNL’ Star Departs Series After 5 Seasons, Report Says

    SNL Cast Changes Announced Before Season 52 Launch

    Another “SNL” cast shakeup has occurred ahead of the Season 52 premiere scheduled for later this month.

  • Best Celebrity Interview Podcasts This Week (Sept. 4, 2026)

    Best Celebrity Interview Podcasts This Week (Sept. 4, 2026)

    It comes as no surprise that interview podcasts and internet series are flooding digital feeds. Audiences are likely subscribed to a roster of creators, perhaps those featured in this year’s Mashable 101, or rely on algorithmic curation to surface the most viral clips. Time, however, is a finite resource. To that end, we have curated the standout conversations worth watching this week, spanning deadpan game shows, niche cultural deep dives, and wholesome exchanges between creative peers. Naturally, the lineup includes Mashable’s own Say More.

    1. Baby, This is Keke Palmer: Laverne Cox

    Emmy-winning actor, producer, podcaster, and author Laverne Cox joined Keke Palmer’s podcast this week for a wide-ranging, must-watch interview. Following the June release of her memoir Transcendent, Cox addressed a spectrum of topics, from dating her “MAGA ex” to her two years of celibacy and her ongoing advocacy for trans visibility and rights. The conversation reaches a profound depth as Cox reflects on healing from childhood trauma and abuse, resulting in a powerful, honest exchange that serves as a testament to both interviewer and interviewee.

    How to watch/listen: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Instagram, TikTok

    2. Gaydar: Anania x MUNA

    Are MUNA members Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin, and Naomi McPherson “gay, straight, or homophobes”? The “Dancing on the Wall” artists were put to the test by host Anania this week. The episode tasks the band with naming as many trans artists as possible in 10 seconds, unpacking lesbian national anthems and gender dysphoria, and ranking their tattoos. It is a thoroughly excellent watch.

    How to watch: YouTube, TikTok, Instagram

    3. Say More: Mark Stetson x Will Forte, John Cena and Lana Condor

    Want to watch John Cena take “Choose Your Squad” extremely seriously? Coyote vs. Acme stars Will Forte, John Cena, and Lana Condor joined Mashable executive producer Mark Stetson for the ultimate Looney Tunes showdown on this week’s Say More. It is hilariously no-nonsense entertainment watching Cena react as his top picks—including Pepé Le Pew and Granny—are swiped by his co-stars. The vengeance is real.

    Where to watch: Mashable, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok

    4. Royal Court: Brittany Broski x Adam Scott

    Brittany Broski and Adam Scott form an unexpected dream team in the latest episode of the creator and podcaster’s Royal Court. The pair unpack the film Hokum and the experience of being literally “shit-scared” during horror films, watching Fast Times at Ridgemont High too young, serving open-faced sandwiches during Party Down, and discovering The Twilight Zone as a kid.

    How to watch: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok

    5. Solid Air: Derrick Gee x Wednesday

    Artists nerding out over their favorite tracks with one of the internet’s go-to music commentators is a reliable formula. On this week’s Solid Air, Derrick Gee sat down at home with the North Carolina band Wednesday to dig into the music they love, from The Seraphims to Vatos Tristes. It is pure music appreciation.

    How to watch: YouTube, TikTok, Instagram

    6. Good Hang with Amy Poehler: Kenan Thompson

    Amy Poehler and Kenan Thompson have walked parallel comedy paths, a dynamic fully displayed in the latest episode of Good Hang. The Saturday Night Live veterans reconnected for Poehler’s podcast released Tuesday, with Thompson holding the distinction of the longest-tenured cast member in SNL history—over 22 seasons and counting.

    The longtime friends unpacked the art of timing in comedy and life, Thompson’s pre-SNL career (including the Mighty Ducks franchise), auditioning for SNL at 23, getting his own writing on the show with the recurring “Scared Straight” sketch, ice skating at the Rink at Rockefeller Center at 1 a.m. after filming SNL Christmas specials, and fanning out over American figure skater Alysa Liu. As always, the episode features a special guest question from Thompson and Poehler’s fellow SNL star Maya Rudolph.

    How to watch/listen: YouTube, TikTok, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram

    From YouTubers and TikTok stars to streamers and podcasters, Mashable talks to creators about how they built their platforms, the gear they swear by, and the trends they see coming next. Read more of our creator coverage, sign up for our Trending Now and Top Stories newsletters, or get Mashable push alerts to discover the internet’s most exciting voices.

  • Amy Poehler’s ‘Good Hang’ Episode with Kenan Thompson Delights SNL Fans

    Amy Poehler’s ‘Good Hang’ Episode with Kenan Thompson Delights SNL Fans

    Amy Poehler and Kenan Thompson Reunite on ‘Good Hang’ Podcast to Discuss Comedy Timing and SNL History

    Longtime friends and Saturday Night Live veterans Amy Poehler and Kenan Thompson reconnected for the latest episode of Poehler’s podcast, Good Hang, released Tuesday. The conversation offered a rare glimpse into their shared comedy journey, spanning Thompson’s record-breaking tenure on the sketch show and the personal moments that defined their careers.

    Kenan Thompson’s Historic SNL Run

    Thompson holds the distinction of being the longest-tenured cast member in SNL history, with over 22 seasons and counting. During the podcast, the pair traced his path to Studio 8H, starting with his pre-SNL work in the Mighty Ducks franchise and his audition for the show at age 23.

    From Audition to Signature Sketches

    The discussion highlighted Thompson’s evolution from new cast member to institutional pillar. A key milestone was getting his own writing on the air with the recurring “Scared Straight” sketch, a showcase of his character work and comedic timing that became a staple of his early years on the show.

    Late-Night Traditions and Shared Fandom

    Beyond the professional milestones, Poehler and Thompson reminisced about the unique rituals that come with the SNL grind. They recalled ice skating on the Rink at Rockefeller Center at 1 a.m. after filming Christmas specials — a quiet, surreal tradition in the middle of the show’s most chaotic season.

    The pair also bonded over a shared admiration for American figure skater Alysa Liu, “fanning out” over her performances in a moment that underscored how pop culture fandom persists even among comedy legends.

    Special Guest Question from Maya Rudolph

    Continuing a recurring segment on Good Hang, the episode featured a special guest question from fellow SNL star Maya Rudolph, adding another layer of alumni connection to the conversation.

    The episode is available now on all major podcast platforms.

  • How Many Actors Can You Identify in This Cast Photo?

    How Many Actors Can You Identify in This Cast Photo?

    How many cast and crew members can you name in this photo? From left to right …

    • He’s one of the most decorated names in WWE history
    • He directed “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows”
    • He went from SNL sketches to big-screen laughs
    • She…

    Source: www.tmz.com