See Season 50 premiere date, time, host and cast

After over four decades of sketch comedy and musical performances, the highly anticipated 50th season of “Saturday Night Live” will soon air live from New York.

The groundbreaking season was marked by several departures, but also new arrivals Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim and Jane Wickli. Fans can still expect to see familiar faces including Kenan Thompson and Bowen Yang.

Fresh off her third Emmy win for playing comedian Deborah Vance on HBO's “Hacks,” Jean Smart will open Season 50 as host.

Other hosts for Season 50 include returning comedians like John Mulaney and Nate Bargatze, as well as big stars like Michael Keaton and Ariana Grande. This season's cast includes Chappell Roan, Coldplay, Stevie Nicks and Billie Eilish.

Here's what you need to know about the return of the late-night comedy classic Saturday night, including whether we can expect a return from Maya Rudolph with her fan-favorite version of Kamala Harris.

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When is the premiere date of “SNL” season 50?

“Saturday Night Live” Season 50 premieres Saturday, September 28th at 8:30 p.m. PT / 11:30 p.m. ET.

Emmy-winning actor and comedian Jean Smart, who stars in the American comedy-drama television series “Hacks,” is set to host the first show of the season.

The show's musical guest will be Grammy Award-nominated artist Jelly Roll.

The next four dates, hosts and musical guests are:

October 5th

Host: Nate Bargatze

Musical guest: Coldplay

October 12th

Host: Ariana Grande

Musical Guest: Stevie Nicks

October 19th

Host: Michael Keaton

Musical guest: Billie Eilish

November 2nd

Host: John Mulaney

Musical Guest: Chappell Roan

Where can you watch “SNL”?

“SNL” episodes can be watched live on NBC starting at 8:30 p.m. PT / 11:30 p.m. ET.

Viewers can also stream it on Peacock.

In the crucial election year: “SNL” should be great. It's only the middle.

Who's in the 'SNL' Season 50 Cast?

Former cast member Maya Rudolph will play Vice President Kamala Harris in the run-up to November's presidential election, while James Austin Johnson will reprise his role as former President Donald Trump.

Season 50 recurring cast members include:

Michael Che
Mikey Day
Andrew Dismukes
Chloe Fineman
Heidi Gardner
Marcello Hernandez
James Austin Johnson
Colin Jost
Michael Longfellow
Ego Nwodim
Ashley Padilla
Sarah Sherman
Kenan Thompson
Devon Walker
Emil Wakim
Jane Wickline
Bowen Yang

The new actors announced were:

Ashley Padilla
Emil Wakim
Jane Wicklin

Meanwhile, Punkie Johnson, Molly Kearney and Chloe Troast will not be returning this fall.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.

Anthony Robledo is a featured news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X @anthonyarobledo.

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