“Live from New York” is about to get a jolt of music and comedy star power. Saturday Night Live has revealed the hosts for its first three episodes of Season 51, and the lineup ranges from a global reggaetón icon to an SNL Hall of Famer to a Gen-Z pop princess. First up on October 4, Grammy-winning hitmaker Bad Bunny will take over Studio 8H as host – his second time fronting the show – with rap superstar Doja Cat set as the musical guest. The following week, October 11, brings the return of former SNL cast MVP Amy Poehler as host. The Parks and Recreation alum hasn’t hosted in over a decade, so expectations are high for her homecoming, joined by emerging pop act Role Model as musical guest.
On October 18, Sabrina Carpenter will do double duty as both host and musical guest, marking the 24-year-old singer-songwriter’s first time hosting and second time performing on SNL. Carpenter helped kick off SNL’s 50th anniversary special last season, but now she’ll command the stage solo – and she’s already showing her trademark humor about it. “They’re gonna regret this,” Carpenter quipped in a tongue-in-cheek Instagram post after the announcement. The trio of hosts illustrates the wide net SNL is casting as it launches its next half-century: Bad Bunny brings international swagger, Poehler delivers classic SNL comedy chops, and Carpenter represents the show’s youthful musical energy. With this eclectic opening lineup, Season 51 is gearing up to start with a bang on the iconic sketch show’s October premiere nights.
