Saturday Night Live, the legendary sketch comedy show that has been a staple of late-night television since 1975, is back with a bang for its 51st season—and tonight, October 11, 2025, fans are in for a real treat. The show, which celebrated its 50th anniversary with a star-studded three-hour special earlier this year, is keeping the momentum going. Not only does this episode air exactly 50 years after the series’ original premiere, but it also marks the return of one of SNL’s most beloved alumni: Amy Poehler.
Poehler, who was a cast member from 2001 to 2008 and a fixture behind the "Weekend Update" desk, returns to host for her third time. Her previous hosting stints include a solo gig in 2010 and a co-hosting appearance with Tina Fey in 2015, according to Variety. Tonight, she takes the stage solo, ready to bring her signature wit and charm to Studio 8H once again.
Joining Poehler is indie pop musician Tucker Pillsbury, better known as Role Model, making his SNL debut as the musical guest. Pillsbury’s recent single, "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out," topped Billboard’s US Adult Alternative Airplay last month, and his sophomore album, Kansas Anymore, was released in 2024. Fans are eagerly anticipating his performance, and there’s even some playful speculation about which cast member might join him on stage to play "Sally." Bowen Yang, who previously took on the role in a sketch, is a fan favorite for a possible reprise, as noted by Entertainment Weekly.
This new episode comes on the heels of a lively season premiere on October 4, which featured global superstar Bad Bunny as both host and musical guest Doja Cat. The premiere celebrated Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rican heritage and introduced audiences to several new faces in the cast. Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska all had their moments in the spotlight, with Culhane being the very first player on camera for Season 51 and Patterson making his "Weekend Update" debut. Bowen Yang, never one to disappoint, launched a new "Update" character—Dobby the House Elf—whose wardrobe malfunction became an instant classic. Yang later clarified on Instagram that the costume department’s work was top-notch, despite the on-air mishap.
The cast for Season 51 is a dynamic mix of seasoned performers and fresh talent. Repertory players include Mikey Day, Andrew Dismukes, Chloe Fineman, Marcello Hernández, James Austin Johnson, Sarah Sherman, Kenan Thompson, and Bowen Yang. Weekend Update anchors Michael Che and Colin Jost, the longest-serving anchor in SNL history, continue their celebrated partnership, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Ashley Padilla and Jane Wickline return as featured players, while new additions Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, Veronika Slowikowska, and Ben Marshall join the fold. Marshall, previously known for his work with the comedy trio Please Don’t Destroy, steps into the spotlight as a featured player this season.
The influx of new talent follows the departure of five cast members: Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, Michael Longfellow, Heidi Gardner, and Ego Nwodim. Several writers, including Celeste Yim and Rosebud Baker, have also moved on, making room for a new generation of comedic voices. The shakeup ensures that SNL remains as unpredictable and vibrant as ever, a quality that has kept it at the forefront of American pop culture for half a century.
Poehler’s return as host comes at a particularly busy time in her career. Her new podcast, Good Hang with Amy Poehler, has been dominating the podcast charts since its launch earlier this year. Produced by The Ringer, the show features Poehler in candid conversations with high-profile guests such as Michelle Obama, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, Paul Rudd, Quinta Brunson, Olivia Colman, Dakota Johnson, and Regina Hall. Poehler’s knack for engaging interviews and laid-back humor has made the podcast a hit with listeners, according to Vulture.
Outside of SNL, Poehler’s resume is nothing short of impressive. After leaving the show in 2008, she went on to star as Leslie Knope in the critically acclaimed sitcom Parks & Recreation, earning nine Emmy nominations along the way. She’s also the creative force behind several television series, including The Mighty B!, the Emmy-winning Russian Doll, and Duncanville. On the big screen, she’s known for voicing Joy in Pixar’s Inside Out and for starring in comedies like Mean Girls, Baby Mama, Sisters, and Blades of Glory. Poehler made her feature directorial debut with Netflix’s Wine Country in 2019 and followed it up with Moxie and the documentary Lucy and Desi.
Role Model, meanwhile, is enjoying a breakthrough year. After nearly a decade of making music, Pillsbury has captured mainstream attention with a string of successful releases. His debut on SNL is a major milestone, and he’s set to star in Lena Dunham’s upcoming romantic comedy Good Sex. His unique blend of indie pop and candid lyricism has resonated with a growing fanbase, and tonight’s performance is likely to introduce him to an even wider audience.
Tonight’s episode is also a chance for viewers to get acquainted with the new cast members. In a lighthearted promo, Poehler jokingly pretends to be old friends with Slowikowska, Culhane, and Patterson before admitting, "I’m nervous [about hosting]. I’m very nervous, and when I’m nervous, I make things up, and I get face blindness and I point my fingers around a lot." She then points to a plant and quips, "This guy knows what I’m talking about." The bit captures the playful spirit that has defined SNL for decades—and hints at the kind of unscripted moments that make live television so irresistible.
The excitement doesn’t end tonight. Next week, on October 18, pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter will take on double duty as both host and musical guest, following her musical guest appearance on the Season 49 finale. With such a strong lineup, it’s clear that SNL’s 51st season is shaping up to be one for the books.
As always, Saturday Night Live airs live from New York on NBC at 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time, with episodes available to stream on Peacock and other platforms including Fubo TV, DirecTV Stream, and Hulu + Live TV. For fans, both old and new, SNL remains essential weekend viewing—a place where comedy, music, and pop culture collide in unpredictable and unforgettable ways.
Tonight, as Amy Poehler steps back onto the stage that helped launch her career, and Role Model makes his musical debut, SNL proves once again that, even after five decades, it’s still got plenty of surprises up its sleeve.
