'Saturday Night Live' to Go On Without Major Stars—But Adds New Ones! Everything to Know About 'SNL' Season 48

Saturday Night Live is returning for Season 48, but not all of the show's beloved cast members will be "live from New York" when it does. The Emmy Award-winning comedy series bid farewell to veteran stars Kate McKinnon, Pete Davidson and Aidy Bryant in the Season 47 finale hosted by Natasha Lyonne. Kyle Mooney has also reportedly left the sketch show.

SNL creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels previously told The New York Times that "a year of change" was possible after Season 47. While the show will go on, it seems fans of the iconic entertainment program, which first debuted in 1975, can expect changes, at least when it comes to the cast. Here is everything we know about Season 48 of Saturday Night Live...

When will Season 48 of Saturday Night Live premiere?

SNL will return in the fall of 2022.

What time is Saturday Night Live on?

SNL airs live at 11:30 p.m. ET and 8:30 p.m. PT.

How to watch Saturday Night Live?

Catch the late-night program on NBC. Last season, episodes also streamed live on Peacock, which is home to every season of SNL.

Who is hosting Season 48 of Saturday Night Live?

The hosts for the upcoming season have yet to be announced, but check back for updates!

Related: Steal SNL Legend Ana Gasteyer’s Self-Care Routine

Will there be any new cast members on Season 48 of Saturday Night Live?

SNL added three featured players to the cast last season: Aristotle Athari, James Austin Johnson and Sarah Sherman. New cast additions for Season 48 include  Marcello Hernandez, Molly Kearney, Michael Longfellow and Devon Walker.

Will Pete Davidson be back for Season 48 of Saturday Night Live?

Davidson, who joined the show in 2014, will not be returning for Season 48. Ahead of the comedian's final appearance on May 21, 2022, Davidson penned a message, which was shared by Dave Sirus along with a video of the SNL star hugging Jerrod Carmichael. "This video was taken 8 years ago. Jerrod sent it to me last night and it made me super emotional in the best way. In the video I had just gotten back from doing my very first update and sketch. It’s crazy to think that today I’ll be doing my last one," Davidson penned.

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"When I got the show I was 20 years old and I had no idea what I was doing. I still don’t but especially back then. I wasn’t really a sketch performer I was just a stand up. I knew I could never keep up or go toe to toe with a Kenan Thompson or a Kate McKinnon so I was super scared at figuring out what I could possibly bring to or do for such a historic, respected show and platform. I figured since I’m a stand up I’ll just try my stand up and personal bits on Weekend Update as myself and I’m so glad I did. I got to share so much with this audience and literally grow up in front of your eyes. We were together through the good and the bad, the happiest and the darkest of times," he continued.

Davidson wrote that he owes "Lorne Michaels and everyone at SNL my life." He concluded, "Im so grateful and I wouldn’t be here without them. I appreciate you guys always having my back and sticking up for me even when that wasn’t the popular opinion. Thank you for always believing in me and sticking by my side even when it seemed comical. Thank you for teaching me life values, how to grow up and for giving me memories that will last a lifetime. SNL is my home. I’m so happy and sad about tonight’s show. For so many reasons I can’t explain. Can’t wait to be back next year in a Mulaney musical number. ⁃ Resident young person Pete Davidson."

During "Weekend Update" on the Season 47 finale, Davidson said that he appreciated "SNL always having my back and allowing me to work on myself and grow." He added, "Thank you to Lorne for never giving up on me or, you know, judging me even when like everyone else was and for believing in me and allowing me to have a place that like I could call home with memories that'll last a lifetime."  

Related: Saturday Night Live's Kenan Thompson Talks About Real-Life 'Frustrations' That Inspire Kenan

Who else won't be returning for Season 48 of Saturday Night Live?

In addition to Davidson, McKinnon also bid adieu in the Season 47 finale. The Emmy winner was overcome by emotion in the episode's cold open for which she reprised her character Colleen Rafferty.

"Well, Earth, I love you. Thanks for letting me stay a while," McKinnon said, before delivering SNL's iconic phrase: "Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!"

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Two days after the finale, Bryant took to her Instagram to share photos and reflect on her time on Saturday Night Live. "hi! i started on snl when i was 25, i had never been on camera, never produced, and had a lot to learn. in my 10 years at the show there are so many people who helped me in so many ways," she captioned the post. "Gena, Chris, Wally, Jodi, Tom, Eric, Dale, Audrey, Amanda and all of the crew whose long hours and laughs in rehearsal meant the most. the cast and writers that i got to work with over the years made me laugh harder than i knew was possible. i love you and thank you from my whole heart."

A source told Entertainment Weekly that Mooney was also leaving Saturday Night Live after the Season 47 finale.

How to get tickets for Season 48 of Saturday Night Live

If attending SNL is on your bucket list, then you're in luck! The ticket lottery for the 2022-2023 season will officially open at 12 a.m. ET on Aug. 1. Individuals, who are fully vaccinated and 16 or older, will have until 11:59 p.m. ET on Aug. 31 to send an email to SNLTICKETS@NBCUNI.COM explaining why they would like to be a part of the studio audience.

Next, learn the secret behind SNL's success.