Jalen Brunson hosts ‘SNL’ Season 52 premiere — Here’s how to watch for free

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Jalen Brunson SNL Rosalind O'Connor/NBC via Getty Images

Live from New York, it’s the Season 52 premiere of “Saturday Night Live!”

The iconic sketch show returns tonight, Sept. 26, for its 52nd season. The season premiere will be hosted by none other than New York Knicks captain Jalen Brunson.

Brunson will make his “SNL” debut to cap off the Knicks’ championship summer ahead of the new season. Joining him as musical guest is global girl group Katseye.

Watch 'SNL' for free

  • When: Sept. 26, 11:30 p.m. ET
  • How to watch for free: DIRECTV (five-day free trial)
  • TV Channel: NBC

In a promo posted ahead of the episode, Brunson attempted to use his key to the city of New York (presented at the Knicks’ championship parade) to try and unlock the doors to Studio 8H.

 Rosalind O'Connor/NBC via Getty Images)
Saturday Night Live - Season 52Rosalind O'Connor/NBC via Getty Images

The “SNL” cast grew by two during the offseason as Saidah Belo-Osagie and Grace Reiter were hired as new featured players. The move coincided with Ashley Padilla and Jane Wickline’s promotion to the repertory cast and Chloe Fineman’s exit after seven seasons. Behind the scenes, writer Martin Herhlily also left the show after five seasons.

Is ‘Saturday Night Live’ new tonight?

Yes! “SNL” returns tonight, Sept. 26,.

What time is ‘SNL’ on tonight?

Tonight’s episode of “SNL” will air live coast-to-coast at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT.

How to watch ‘Saturday Night Live’ for free

If you don’t have cable, you’ll need a live TV streaming service to stream the “SNL” season premiere for free.

DIRECTV is our favorite service for trying live TV for free. Right now, you can take advantage of a five-day free trial before saving $30 on your first month. We recommend the Choice plan, which includes NBC as part of its 125+ channel options.

You can also watch “SNL” for free with a Peacock Premium free trial (seven days, then $16.99/month). Peacock also has new “SNL” episodes available to stream in full on Sunday mornings.

Who is hosting ‘SNL’ tonight?

New York Knicks captain and NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson makes his “SNL” hosting debut tonight.

 Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks lifts the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award trophy after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 13, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
2026 NBA Finals - Game FiveJalen Brunson’s championship summer comes to a close as he hosts the iconic NYC television series. Getty Images

‘SNL’ Season 52 schedule

“Saturday Night Live” is officially back for Season 52, with four episodes of confirmed hosts and musical guests. Below, find the confirmed episode dates for the rest of Season 52, through the end of 2026.

  • Sept. 26: Jalen Brunson, with Katseye
  • Oct. 3: Dakota Johnson, with Turnstile
  • Oct. 10: Shane Gillis, with Rosalía
  • Oct. 31: Inde Navarrette, with Gracie Abrams
  • Nov. 7: host TBA
  • Nov. 14: host TBA
  • Dec. 5: host TBA
  • Dec. 12: host TBA
  • Dec. 19: host TBA

‘SNL’ Season 52 cast

After the cast grew by five last season, this year’s cast only features two new hires. Here’s who you can expect to see in sketches tonight and throughout the season.

Repertory PlayersFeatured Players
Michael Che (Weekend Update)Saidah Belo-Osagie
Mikey DayTommy Brennan
Andrew DismukesJeremy Culhane
Marcelo HernándezBen Marshall
James Austin JohnsonKam Patterson
Colin Jost (Weekend Update)Grace Reiter
Ashley PadillaVeronika Slowikowska
Sarah Sherman
Kenan Thompson
Jane Wickline

Why Trust Page Six Shopping

This article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Streaming Reporter for the New York Post, Page Six, and Decider. Angela keeps readers up to date with information on how to watch all of your favorite reality TV shows and movies on each streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, celebrities and pop culture. Prior to joining The Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews


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