SNL Season 51: Miles Teller & Brandi Carlile Return This Week!

After a quick break, Saturday Night Live is back in full swing for its 51st season this November, with Miles Teller making his return to host alongside the incredible Brandi Carlile.

TL;DR

Miles Teller is hosting SNL for the second time on November 1, with musical guest Brandi Carlile making her fourth appearance.
Mark your calendars for upcoming shows with hosts Nikki Glaser (Nov 8) and Glen Powell (Nov 15).
Season 51 welcomes five new cast members and says goodbye to several veterans, shaking up the iconic ensemble.

Alright, SNL fans, get ready! After a brief hiatus, Saturday Night Live is roaring back onto our screens, kicking off November with a bang. Season 51 has already given us some memorable moments, and it looks like the next few weeks are set to keep that energy going. We're talking familiar faces, fresh talent, and all the topical humor you've come to expect from Studio 8H.

This weekend, we've got a fantastic duo taking the stage: actor Miles Teller is back for his second hosting gig, and the powerhouse Brandi Carlile returns as musical guest. But that's just the beginning! November is packed with new hosts and musical guests, plus we've got the scoop on all the cast shake-ups you need to know about. Let's dive in!

Miles Teller Takes the Stage Again for His Second Hosting Stint

Get ready to see Miles Teller back in action! The actor, known for his roles in blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick and critically acclaimed dramas like Whiplash, is stepping onto the iconic SNL stage for his second time. His first run was the Season 48 opener back in October 2022, and he definitely left an impression, especially with that hilarious "Manningcast" cold open. Could we see a round two of that meta-commentary? We're certainly hoping so!

Teller's return isn't just for kicks; he's also promoting his upcoming romantic comedy, Eternity, which hits theaters later this month on Wednesday, November 26. In Eternity, he stars alongside Elizabeth Olsen, Callum Turner, and Academy Award-winner Da'Vine Joy Randolph. The film tells the intriguing story of Larry and Joan Cutler, a recently deceased couple stuck in a purgatory-like world. They're given one week to decide where to spend their eternity, but things get complicated when Joan has to choose between Larry and her first husband, Luke, who died at war. Sounds like a perfect blend of romance and existential dread, right?

Miles Teller's career has been quite a ride since his feature film debut in 2010's Rabbit Hole. He quickly made a name for himself, starring in the Footloose remake (2011), the party comedy Project X (2012), and the acclaimed teen romance The Spectacular Now (2013). But it was 2014's Whiplash that really solidified his status, where he played an aspiring jazz drummer opposite an intense instructor. More recently, he soared to new heights as Rooster in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), which raked in a massive $1.4 billion worldwide. He also recently starred in the supernatural action-romance The Gorge on Apple TV+.

From a "Cool Pope" sketch idea he pitched (yes, baptisms in a hot tub!) to his past "Manningcast" success, we're expecting Teller to bring a mix of unexpected humor and solid acting chops this weekend. He's been seen in promos with cast members like Chloe Fineman, Ben Marshall, and Jeremy Culhane, so he's clearly getting right into the thick of it with the ensemble.

Brandi Carlile's Fourth Time's the Charm as Musical Guest

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Joining Miles Teller is the incredible Grammy-winning artist Brandi Carlile, marking her fourth time as a musical guest on SNL! Carlile has become a beloved fixture on the show, having performed across Seasons 47, 48, and 50. Her most recent appearance was particularly special, as she performed alongside music legend Elton John in Season 50 Episode 16 on April 5, 2025. Her consistent presence puts her in an elite group of artists, with several past four-time musical guests going on to host the show themselves. Given her sketch debut with Jack Black last season, we wouldn't be surprised if she popped up in a skit or two this weekend!

Carlile is not just a phenomenal musician; she's also a passionate activist for LGBTQ+ rights. Her music journey spans two decades, featuring eight studio albums and two collaborative albums. Her latest studio album, Returning to Myself, released in 2025, continues to showcase her powerful vocals and heartfelt songwriting. Fans might also recognize her collaborative album Who Believes in Angels?, which she released with Elton John earlier this year. With such a rich catalog and a new album, we're sure to be treated to an unforgettable performance.

A Look Ahead: Who Else is Hosting and Performing in November?

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The fun doesn't stop after this weekend! NBC has already laid out a fantastic lineup for the rest of November, ensuring a steady stream of new SNL episodes. Here’s what you can expect:

November 8: Get ready for a fresh face as comedian and actress Nikki Glaser makes her highly anticipated SNL hosting debut. Known for her sharp wit and stand-up specials, she’s sure to bring the laughs. Joining her will be Sombr, making their first appearance as the musical guest.
November 15: Another exciting debut! Miles Teller's Top Gun: Maverick co-star, Glen Powell, will host for the very first time. Powell is currently promoting his new action film, The Running Man, so expect some high-flying energy. The musical guest for this episode will be Olivia Dean, also making her SNL debut.

It's shaping up to be a star-studded month, offering a great mix of seasoned performers and new talent making their mark on the legendary stage.

Major Cast Shake-Ups for Season 51: Who's In and Who's Out?

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As with any new season of SNL, there’s been a bit of a shake-up in the cast, bringing in fresh blood and saying heartfelt goodbyes to some long-time favorites. Season 51 is no exception, and it's exciting to see new comedic voices join the ranks.

Meet the New Faces:

Five talented newcomers have joined the ensemble, ready to leave their mark. Keep an eye out for these rising stars:

Ben Marshall: Not entirely new to the SNL family, as he was part of the comedy trio Please Don't Destroy. Now, he's stepping up as a featured player.
Veronika Slowikowska: Already made an impression with a featured sketch in the Sabrina Carpenter episode.
Tommy Brennan: Scored a Weekend Update turn early in the season.
Jeremy Culhane: After a notable moment in this week's promo, fans are eager for his breakout sketch in the live show.
Kam Patterson: Also had a memorable Weekend Update appearance.

These new cast members are quickly finding their footing and promising to bring unique energy to the sketches.

Farewell to Fan Favorites:

While we welcome the new, we also have to bid adieu to some beloved cast members who have moved on after contributing significantly to the show. These departures, sometimes part of a bigger shake-up, leave big shoes to fill:

Heidi Gardner: After eight seasons, she's departed the show.
Ego Nwodim: Left after seven seasons of delivering incredible performances.
Devon Walker: Exited after three seasons.
Michael Longfellow: Also departed after three seasons.
Emil Walker (or Wakim): Left after one season.

We wish them all the best in their next endeavors!

Returning Veterans and Rising Stars:

Don't worry, many of your favorites are back! The "repertory players" for Season 51 include familiar faces like Mikey Day, Andrew Dismukes, Chloe Fineman, Marcello Hernández, James Austin Johnson (who’s been brilliantly playing President Donald Trump for four seasons), Sarah Sherman, Kenan Thompson, and Bowen Yang. And, of course, our trusty Weekend Update anchors, Michael Che and Colin Jost, are holding down the fort.

Among the returning featured players, Ashley Padilla has been a standout this season. There’s been "Padilla Mania" brewing, with fans lobbying for a rare mid-season promotion due to her dominant screen time and critical buzz. Keep an eye on her and Andrew Dismukes, who have become SNL's most consistent on-screen pairing this season, showing undeniable chemistry in multiple sketches and promos. They’re definitely the show's new "It" couple!

What "Hot Topics" Could SNL Lampoon This Weekend?

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Saturday Night Live is famous for its sharp satire of current events and political figures, and this weekend is no different. With so much happening in the world, the writers definitely have a lot of material to work with. Here are some "hot topics" that could very well find their way into this Saturday night's sketches:

Donald Trump's Latest Moves: Expect a nod to Trump's recent announcement about the U.S. resuming nuclear weapons testing, as well as his whirlwind trip to Asia. James Austin Johnson's impression of Trump is always a highlight, and these events provide ample opportunities for hilarious commentary.
Halloween Hijinks & Immigration: Given that it's Halloween weekend, the show might incorporate the festive atmosphere, perhaps with a twist. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently rejected a request to suspend immigration enforcement operations during the celebrations, which could be ripe for parody.
Government Shutdown & Local Politics: The ongoing federal government shutdown is a major national concern, offering plenty of material for political commentary. Additionally, the upcoming New York City mayoral election could be fair game, tying into SNL's New York roots.

It's always fun to see how SNL weaves these real-world events into their comedic fabric, and this weekend promises to be no exception.

How to Catch All the Live Action and Stream SNL Season 51

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Don't want to miss a single sketch? We've got you covered on how to watch Saturday Night Live this season!

When It Airs Live: SNL always airs live on Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET / 8:30 p.m. PT.
Where to Watch Live: You can tune in live on NBC. If you've cut the cord, many streaming services offer live NBC access. You can also stream it live on Peacock, which is the official streaming home for all NBC content.
Free Trial Options: For those looking to catch it live without a long-term commitment, both DIRECTV Stream and Fubo TV offer free trials that include NBC. Just be sure to check their terms and conditions for trial lengths.
Stream On-Demand: If you miss the live show or just want to rewatch your favorite sketches, the full episodes are available to stream on demand on Peacock anytime after they air. Peacock also hosts every other season of the show, making it a treasure trove for SNL history buffs!

So, whether you're a night owl catching it live or a morning person enjoying it with your coffee, there are plenty of ways to keep up with all the hilarious action of Saturday Night Live Season 51.

Miles Teller on his "Cool Pope" sketch idea:

“I was thinking I would play like, a cool pope doing baptisms in a hot tub and just like, cool stuff like that.”

– From an SNL promo clip featuring Teller, Chloe Fineman, and cast members.

Frequently Asked Questions About SNL Season 51

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When does the new episode of SNL air? The next new episode of Saturday Night Live airs on Saturday, November 1, at 11:30 p.m. ET / 8:30 p.m. PT. Where can I stream SNL Season 51? You can stream SNL live on NBC and Peacock. Full episodes are also available on demand on Peacock after they air. Who are the hosts for SNL in November? Miles Teller hosts on November 1, Nikki Glaser on November 8, and Glen Powell on November 15. Are there any new cast members this season? Yes! Season 51 has introduced five new featured players: Ben Marshall, Veronika Slowikowska, Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, and Kam Patterson.