Lorne Michaels has some big plans for “Saturday Night Live” Season 51.
In an August discussion with Puck News, the mastermind behind “SNL” shared insights about the show’s future, which has captivated audiences since 1975, and mentioned plans to revamp the cast for the upcoming season.
“I wanted people back for (the 50th season),” Michaels revealed to the publication. “And for that to happen, there couldn’t be any major changes (to the cast) or anything that might divert attention from (the 50th season).”
Now, he confirmed he feels “pressure to reinvent” after the milestone Season 50.
“Yeah, for sure,” Michaels answered. “It’ll be announced in a week or so.”
Until then, read on for everything we know about the upcoming season of “SNL” — including one actor who Michaels said will return.
When is ‘Saturday Night Live’ returning?
Season 51 of “Saturday Night Live” will premiere on NBC on Oct. 4, per NBC Insider.
Who Is In the Cast of ‘Saturday Night Live’ Season 51?
Though Michaels has yet to confirm the new cast of “SNL,” he told Puck that cast shakeups would be “announced in a week or so.”
When asked specifically if comedian James Austin Johnson will reprise his role as U.S. President Donald Trump, Michaels said, “yes.”
The cast of Season 50 consisted of:
- Michael Che
- Mikey Day
- Andrew Dismukes
- Chloe Fineman
- Heidi Gardner
- Marcello Hernández
- James Austin Johnson
- Colin Jost
- Michael Longfellow
- Ego Nwodim
- Sarah Sherman
- Kenan Thompson
- Devon Walker
- Bowen Yang
- Plus, featured players Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim and Jane Wickline
Where Can I Watch ‘Saturday Night Live’ Season 51?
Following the premiere on Oct. 4, fresh “SNL” episodes will be broadcast every Saturday on NBC and can be streamed on Peacock the following day. (Peacock and TODAY.com are both under NBCUniversal.)
Is Lorne Michaels Retiring?
Lorne Michaels, the architect of “Saturday Night Live,” still has no plans to part ways with the show even after 50 years. With the anniversary event approaching, there has been speculation about Michaels’ continued involvement.
In February, Michaels, 80, told the New York Times, “I may be wrong. But I don’t feel I’m done.”
In the August interview, Puck asked if he plans on giving some added responsibilities to some of his team members.
“This has been happening over the past year or so,” he remarked. “More individuals are part of the decisions making process. However, I’m unconcerned about A.I. because it can’t predict what I’ll decide between 10 and 11 (during show nights)… as I don’t even know!”
“There are numerous people contributing ideas in that room. Ultimately, I make the call,” he concluded. “But everyone certainly makes sure their opinions are heard loud and clear.”
