A fresh laugh track for a new era of 'SNL'

Show returns with Bad Bunny's star power and Doja Cat's dazzle

'Saturday Night Live' kicked off its 51st season in high style, returning to Studio 8H with Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny as host and Doja Cat as musical guest. The episode marked the show's first since its landmark 50th anniversary and ushered in a fresh era of cast and cultural commentary.

The cold open saw Colin Jost playing Pete Hegseth alongside James Austin Johnson's ever-popular Donald Trump impression, setting a sharp political tone before giving way to Bad Bunny's charismatic monologue.

The host poked fun at his upcoming world tour and his freshly confirmed slot as the next Super Bowl halftime performer — a gig already buzzing with rumours. Actor Jon Hamm made a surprise appearance during the segment, adding to the sense of occasion.

This season introduced notable cast changes: veterans Heidi Gardner, Ego Nwodim, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, and Emil Wakim have departed, while newcomers Ben Marshall, Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska joined the ensemble.

Among the sketches that followed, highlights included 'Jeopardy With Bad Bunny', 'ChatGPTio', and 'The Donor'. But it was 'KPop Demon Hunters' that stole the spotlight — a high-energy, neon-soaked parody featuring Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami performing the original song 'Golden'. The mix of animation and live performance drew rave reactions online within minutes of broadcast.

Doja Cat dominated the musical portions, performing 'Aaahh Men!' and 'Gorgeous' from her new album 'Vie'. Her theatrical set design — a cross between a futuristic nightclub and surrealist art piece — further solidified her reputation as one of pop's boldest visual artists.

During 'Weekend Update', hosts Jost and Michael Che skewered the week's headlines, with Chloe Fineman's spot-on Jennifer Coolidge impression and Bowen Yang's absurdly charming Dobby the House Elf earning big laughs. Newcomer Kam Patterson's segment on cultural identity also signalled a more diverse, reflective humour emerging in the new lineup.

The show wrapped with ensemble sketches 'Parent Teacher Conference' and 'El Chavo Del Ocho (English Version)', blending nostalgia and satire to round off a confident season premiere.

Meanwhile, off the comedy stage, Bad Bunny's upcoming Super Bowl appearance continues to make headlines. Sources told The Sun the singer plans to invite Drake for a surprise collaboration — their first in years — during the halftime show in Santa Clara next February.

The move would unite two global icons amid Drake's simmering feud with Kendrick Lamar, whose own Super Bowl performance last year sparked controversy with the diss track 'Not Like Us'.

Insiders say Bad Bunny aims to celebrate "the history of Latin music and Puerto Rico" and to send "a message of peace, love, and respect." Managed by Roc Nation, the February 8, 2026 show is expected to deliver a bold mix of Latin rhythms and global sounds — the perfect stage for a performer who, like his 'SNL' debut, refuses to play it safe.