The 48th season of Saturday Night Live was unexpectedly cut short, much to the disappointment of fans, thanks to the Writers Guild of America’s (WGA) strike. However, rejoice, for the comedy institution is making its grand return for its 49th season on Saturday, October 14, thanks to the amicable resolution between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). And it’s coming back with a bang, featuring Ice Spice as the opening musical guest and the irrepressible Pete Davidson as the season premiere host. But the excitement doesn’t stop there; the following week, on October 21, the stage will be set on fire as Bad Bunny takes center stage, both as the host and musical performer.
For Bad Bunny aficionados, this won’t be his first stint on SNL. He made his debut appearance on the show in 2020, and the following year, he returned as a bona fide musical guest, cementing his status as a musical force to be reckoned with.
Pete Davidson’s SNL journey was not without its twists and turns either. He was initially slated to host Saturday Night Live on May 6, but alas, the episode was canceled due to the strike. This marks a significant return for Davidson, who spent a memorable nine seasons as a cast member on the NBC program before bidding adieu last year.
While the strike’s end has paved the way for the major late-night TV programs to make their comeback this week, including the likes of Boygenius, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, John Mayer, Louis Cato, and more, there’s still a shadow looming in Hollywood. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) continues its strike. However, there’s a glimmer of hope for SNL fans, as Deadline reports that this particular union has given its members the green light to make appearances on Saturday Night Live.
As the dust settles on the recent Hollywood turmoil, we can’t help but look forward to the 49th season of SNL, promising laughter, great music, and some surprise celebrity appearances. Stay tuned!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about SNL Season 49
What caused the interruption of SNL’s 48th season?
The 48th season of Saturday Night Live was cut short due to the Writers Guild of America’s (WGA) strike, which disrupted the show’s production.
When is SNL returning for its 49th season?
SNL is set to return for its 49th season on Saturday, October 14, following the resolution of the strike.
Who are the musical guests and hosts for the season premiere and the following week?
For the season premiere on October 14, Ice Spice will be the musical guest, and Pete Davidson will host the show. On October 21, Bad Bunny will perform as both the host and musical performer.
Has Bad Bunny appeared on SNL before?
Yes, Bad Bunny made his first appearance on SNL in 2020 and later returned as a musical guest in the following year.
What happened with Pete Davidson’s planned hosting of SNL before the strike?
Pete Davidson was originally scheduled to host Saturday Night Live on May 6, but the episode had to be canceled due to the strike.
Are there any ongoing strikes in Hollywood affecting late-night TV?
While the Writers Guild of America strike has ended, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is still on strike.
Can SAG-AFTRA members appear on SNL despite the strike?
Yes, according to reports, SAG-AFTRA has allowed its members to make appearances on Saturday Night Live despite the ongoing strike.
More about SNL Season 49
- SNL Official Website
- Writers Guild of America (WGA)
- Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP)
- Ice Spice
- Bad Bunny on SNL
- Pete Davidson
- Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)
- Deadline Hollywood
