‘Saturday Night Live’ Returns Next Week For Season 49 With Host Pete Davidson Under SAG-AFTRA Sanctioned “Network Code Agreement”

Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night Live!

It was announced today that the hit comedy series will be returning to NBC for its 49th season on Oct. 14 with host Pete Davidson and special musical guest Ice Spice. Davidson, a former SNL cast member, was set to host an episode alongside musical guest Lil Uzi Vert in May. However, the episode was canceled due to the WGA strike that ended last Wednesday (Sept. 27).

On Oct. 21, Bad Bunny will serve as both host and musical guest.

SAG-AFTRA issued a statement in support of the show’s return with respect to the ongoing strike, explaining that “SAG-AFTRA members appearing on Saturday Night Live either as hosts, guests, or cast members are working under the Network Code agreement, which is not a contract [they] are striking.”

They continued, “They are not in violation of SAG-AFTRA strike rules, and we support them in fulfilling their contractual obligations.”

The statement also deemed SNL as a “SAG-AFTRA non-dramatic production under a separate agreement that is not subject to the union’s strike order,” and noted that SNL regular cast members who are also SAG-AFTRA members “had contractual obligations to the show prior to the strike.”

Season 49 starts next week!!! pic.twitter.com/4YJgVumluS

— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) October 4, 2023

Nonetheless, SNL will be welcoming back its full cast from the previous season, as well as new cast member Chloe Troast, who according to Deadline, has worked with the show’s Please Don’t Destroy comedy trio.

As for other upcoming guest hosts, Jennifer Coolidge and Kieran Culkin were scheduled to host prior to the start of the WGA strike, and fans are hoping they get the chance to host this season.

Saturday Night Live will return Saturday, Oct. 14 at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC.