Saturday Night Live Soundtrack Season 52 (2026) Guide
Saturday Night Live returns to Studio 8H for its highly anticipated 52nd season, premiering on September 26, 2026, on NBC and Peacock. Kicking off the television year with an early premiere, the legendary sketch comedy series brings fresh energy to late-night television with the addition of new featured players Grace Reiter, making history as the show's first cast member born in the 21st century, and Saidah Belo-Osagie. This season navigates the departures of fan-favorite Chloe Fineman and writer Martin Herlihy, relying on veteran powerhouses like Kenan Thompson, Bowen Yang, and the "Weekend Update" duo of Colin Jost and Michael Che to lead the charge.
Live from New York, Saturday Night Live launches its 52nd season on NBC and Peacock, continuing a five-decade tradition as the defining pulse of late-night television. Created by Lorne Michaels, the Emmy-winning sketch comedy series enters the fall broadcast calendar with a revitalized ensemble at Studio 8H, introducing fresh comedic voices alongside seasoned anchors Kenan Thompson, Bowen Yang, and the sharp banter of Colin Jost and Michael Che at the 'Weekend Update' desk. Blending political satire, spontaneous character sketches, and high-profile musical showcases, Season 52 captures the cultural zeitgeist through its trademark combination of live television thrill and memorable musical moments.
Beyond its weekly political parodies, Saturday Night Live remains one of television's most influential musical stages, showcasing both live studio performances and licensed commercial tracks that elevate pre-taped digital shorts. Season 52 kicks off with an eclectic musical roster, launched on premiere night by global pop girl-group sensation KATSEYE (alongside host Jalen Brunson). The momentum continues throughout the fall with genre-defying live sets from Baltimore hardcore punk outfit Turnstile, international Latin superstar and Grammy winner Rosalía, and indie-pop sensation Gracie Abrams, curating a vibrant cross-section of modern music.
Episode 1: Jalen Brunson / KATSEYE (Sep 26, 2026)
Jalen Brunson hosts Saturday Night Live on September 26, 2026, with musical guest KATSEYE.
Episode 2: Dakota Johnson / Turnstile (Oct 3, 2026)
Dakota Johnson hosts Saturday Night Live on October 3, 2026, with musical guest Turnstile.
Episode 3: Shane Gillis / Rosalía (Oct 10, 2026)
Shane Gillis hosts Saturday Night Live on October 10, 2026, with musical guest Rosalía.
Episode 4: Inde Navarrette / Gracie Abrams (Oct 31, 2026)
Inde Navarrette hosts Saturday Night Live on October 31, 2026, with musical guest Gracie Abrams.
From viral sketch musical numbers and nostalgic commercial parodies to the soulful cues provided by the legendary Saturday Night Live Band, the soundscape of Season 52 reflects the pulse of pop culture. Each Sunday following the live broadcast, every featured track is carefully documented. Explore the complete Saturday Night Live Season 52 music guide on SeekerTune, updated weekly with official musical guest performances, sketch song titles, artist credits, and direct streaming links on Spotify and Apple Music.
Main Cast
- Michael Che Self - Various Characters
- Mikey Day Self - Various Characters
- Andrew Dismukes Self - Various Characters
- Chloe Fineman Self - Various Characters
- James Austin Johnson Self - Various Characters
- Colin Jost Self - Various Characters
- Sarah Sherman Self - Various Characters
- Kenan Thompson Self - Various Characters
- Bowen Yang Self - Various Characters
- Marcello Hernández Self - Various Characters
Official Trailer
Soundtrack Crossovers
Complete Soundtrack List - All Songs Played in Every Episode
| Episode | Song Title | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| E1 | PINKY UP | KATSEYE |
| E1 | Animal | KATSEYE |
| E1 | Hootie Frutti | KATSEYE |
| E2 | BIRDS | Turnstile |
| E2 | I CARE | Turnstile |
| E2 | DULL | Turnstile |