Quick Read
- Tonight, NBC airs a rerun of SNL’s Season 51 premiere featuring Bad Bunny as host and Doja Cat as musical guest.
- Bad Bunny became the first guest formally billed on two consecutive SNL episodes.
- Doja Cat made her SNL debut, performing two songs from her album Vie.
- The episode originally aired October 4, 2025 and drew over 4.6 million viewers.
- SNL returns with new episodes December 6 after a brief hiatus.
SNL’s Season 51 Premiere Returns: Bad Bunny and Doja Cat Take Center Stage
Saturday Night Live isn’t airing a new episode tonight. Instead, NBC is giving fans another shot at the milestone Season 51 premiere: Bad Bunny’s third turn as host, with Doja Cat making her debut as musical guest (NBC Insider, Deadline). The episode, which originally aired October 4, 2025, returns to screens at 11:30 p.m. ET, bringing back an evening that set the tone for an ambitious new season.
Why SNL Is on Hiatus—and Why This Rerun Matters
SNL’s fall schedule is built around moments—season premieres, holiday specials, and high-profile hosts. As Thanksgiving approaches, the cast and crew take a brief break. That means no new live show tonight. Instead, NBC is rerunning one of its biggest hits of the year. For viewers, it’s a chance to revisit a truly memorable broadcast or catch up on what they missed (AOL). With the next new episode slated for December 6, featuring Melissa McCarthy and Dijon, this rerun fills a gap and keeps the momentum going.
For SNL, reruns aren’t just filler. They’re a showcase—moments that resonated, performances that sparked conversation, sketches that went viral. And tonight’s episode is packed with all of that.
Bad Bunny: Making SNL History
Bad Bunny’s third time hosting Saturday Night Live was more than a routine appearance. It was historic. Fresh off closing out Season 50 as a musical guest in May, Bad Bunny returned to host the Season 51 opener—making him the first guest ever formally billed on two consecutive SNL episodes. That kind of repeat performance is rare in the show’s nearly five-decade run.
The October 4 episode drew 4.634 million live viewers on NBC, a strong showing for a Saturday night, plus a significant audience on Peacock. The 0.83 rating in the key 18-49 demographic reflected his cross-generational appeal (NBC Insider).
Bad Bunny didn’t just rely on celebrity. His monologue mixed sharp comedy with self-aware charm, proving he could hold his own alongside SNL’s seasoned cast. Sketches like “Jeopardy” showcased his comedic timing, while his presence energized the entire broadcast. It was a victory lap before another major milestone: headlining the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show in Las Vegas.
Doja Cat’s Debut: Electric Performances and Fan Buzz
Doja Cat stepped onto Studio 8H for her first SNL musical guest spot—and she didn’t disappoint. Performing “Gorgeous” and “Aaahh Men!” from her album Vie, Doja Cat delivered two dynamic sets that had fans buzzing on social media. Her ability to command the stage made it clear why she’s among the most talked-about artists of her generation (Billboard).
Being the musical guest for a season premiere is prime real estate. SNL has a legacy of launching and elevating music careers, and Doja Cat’s inclusion put her in exclusive company. Her blend of rap and pop, coupled with a striking visual presentation, made her debut a highlight for both fans and critics.
Star Power and Surprises: Cameos and New Faces
Beyond the headliners, the episode featured a roster of surprises. Jon Hamm made a special appearance, while members of HUNTR/X—the girl group from the animated film KPop Demon Hunters—performed “Golden,” bringing Rei Ami, Ejae, and Audrey Nuna to the SNL stage. These moments underscored the show’s knack for blending pop culture with comedy.
The premiere also marked the debut of five new featured players: Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska. Their arrival signaled a changing of the guard, as SNL welcomed fresh talent following the recent departures of Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, and Emil Wakim (AOL). Nwodim’s exit left the show without a Black female cast member, a point she reflected on in recent interviews, hoping for more diversity in future seasons.
Sketches That Landed: Highlights from the Episode
The episode offered a full spectrum of comedy, from the cold open (featuring a Pete Hegseth sketch) to the Weekend Update desk. Bowen Yang debuted his now-famous Dobby the House Elf impression. Game show parodies, topical news bits, and musical interludes kept the energy high for the full 90-minute broadcast.
For SNL fans, these sketches are more than punchlines—they’re cultural snapshots, weaving together politics, entertainment, and social commentary. Each segment added to the episode’s legacy, making it a fitting choice for a rerun.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for SNL
After tonight’s rerun, SNL will continue its holiday break. On November 26, NBC will air a Thanksgiving special highlighting classic Turkey Day sketches. Another repeat follows on November 29, as the cast celebrates the holiday with loved ones. The live show returns December 6 with Melissa McCarthy and Dijon, followed by Josh O’Connor and Lily Allen on December 13, and a star-studded Christmas episode December 20 featuring Ariana Grande and Cher (AOL).
For those looking to catch up, every episode of SNL—sketches, musical performances, and more—is available to stream on Peacock. The platform lets fans revisit iconic moments or discover hidden gems from the show’s vast archive.
Why Tune In Tonight?
If you missed Bad Bunny’s historic hosting gig or Doja Cat’s electrifying debut, tonight’s rerun is a perfect opportunity. It’s more than nostalgia—it’s a reminder of SNL’s role as a launchpad for talent and a reflection of the cultural moment. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a casual viewer, this episode offers a snapshot of the creativity and energy that define Saturday Night Live.
Assessment: The rerun of SNL’s Season 51 premiere is more than just filler programming; it’s a celebration of the show’s ability to blend music, comedy, and pop culture into a singular experience. Bad Bunny’s historic appearance and Doja Cat’s dynamic debut underscore why SNL remains a touchstone for both entertainment and cultural relevance in 2025.