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Saturday Night Live season 48

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Saturday Night Live
Season 48
No. of episodes18
Release
Original networkNBC / Peacock (select episodes)
Original releaseOctober 1, 2022 (2022-10-01) –
April 15, 2023 (2023-04-15)
Season chronology
← Previous
Season 47
Next →
Season 49
List of episodes

The forty-eighth season of the NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live premiered on October 1, 2022, during the 2022–23 television season with host Miles Teller and musical guest Kendrick Lamar,[1][2] and concluded on April 15, 2023, with host Ana de Armas and musical guest Karol G. The season was originally scheduled to air 21 episodes and conclude on May 20, 2023.[3] However, due to the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike, the last three planned episodes were cancelled.[4]

Cast

[edit]

Eight cast members from season 47 left the show prior to the beginning of this season, making it the biggest cast exodus since 1995. The departures of longtime cast members Aidy Bryant, Pete Davidson, Kate McKinnon, and Kyle Mooney were announced at the time of the season 47 finale, and in September 2022, several weeks prior to the start of this season, the departures of Alex Moffat, Chris Redd, Melissa Villaseñor, and featured player Aristotle Athari were announced.[5][6][7] In response to all these changes, executive producer Lorne Michaels called this season a "transition year".

Michaels also stated that the COVID-19 pandemic was the reason why all those cast members stayed on longer than usual, compared to previous casts, and that they would've left earlier had it not happened, saying most cast "had nowhere to go" during the pandemic.[8][9][10] Bryant and McKinnon separately confirmed this was the case for themselves.[11][12]

A few years later (ahead of the show's 50th season), he also stated that the reason why he had been hiring so many stand-ups (over the course of seasons 46-48) is because many of their go-to improv clubs like The Groundlings, Second City, and Upright Citizens Brigade were shut down during the pandemic. Stating in part that "a whole generation" of improv comedians weren't auditioning, but stand-ups were.[13]

Returning cast member Cecily Strong took a temporary leave of absence early in the season due to her commitments to perform in the Los Angeles revival of the one-woman stage play The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, returning to SNL for the October 29, 2022, episode.[14] Strong then departed several weeks later on December 17 after being on the show for eleven seasons since 2012, making her the longest-tenured female cast member in the show's history.[15]

On September 12, 2022, Michaels announced that four new cast members would be joining the show:[16] stand-up comedians Marcello Hernandez, Molly Kearney (the show's first non-binary cast member[17]), Michael Longfellow, and Devon Walker.

Andrew Dismukes and Punkie Johnson, who were both hired as featured players for season 46, were promoted to repertory status this season, while James Austin Johnson and Sarah Sherman, both of whom were hired for season 47, remained as featured players.

This season saw the death of longtime production designer Eugene Lee, who died on February 6, 2023, and had worked on the show since the show's premiere on October 11, 1975,[18] with the exception of seasons 610 (1980–1985).[19]

Cast roster

[edit]

bold denotes "Weekend Update" anchor

Writers

[edit]

Before this season started, Colin Jost and Michael Che (who had been head writers since 2017), resigned from their positions, but still continued to write for this season. Also, Jimmy Fowlie, Ceara O'Sullivan, Auguste White, and KC Shornima were all hired as new writers (with Shornima specifically writing for Weekend Update).[20] Asha Ward joined the writing staff starting with the December 3, 2022 episode.[21]

As of the February 4, 2023 episode, regular writers Gary Richardson (who had been a staff writer since 2017, but had taken a one-year hiatus from season 47), Will Stephen (a writer since 2015), and Celeste Yim (who joined the writing staff back in 2020) were promoted to writing supervisors.[22]

Episodes

[edit]
No.
overall
No. in
season
Host(s)Musical guestOriginal air date [23]U.S. viewers
(millions)
9311Miles TellerKendrick LamarOctober 1, 2022 (2022-10-01)4.02[26]

9322Brendan GleesonWillowOctober 8, 2022 (2022-10-08)3.76[27]

  • Willow performs "Curious/Furious" and "Ur a Stranger".
  • Colin Farrell appears in the opening monologue and the "Headshots" sketch.
  • Writers Martin Herlihy, John Higgins, and Ben Marshall appear in the pre-recorded "Please Don't Destroy – Tommy" sketch.
9333Megan Thee StallionMegan Thee StallionOctober 15, 2022 (2022-10-15)3.72[28]

  • Megan Thee Stallion performs "Anxiety" for her first set and a medley of "NDA" and "Plan B" for her second.
  • Writers Martin Herlihy, John Higgins, and Ben Marshall appear in the pre-recorded "Please Don't Destroy – Wellness" sketch.
  • Bowen Yang introduces Megan Thee Stallion's first performance.
  • Kenan Thompson introduces Megan Thee Stallion's second performance.
9344Jack HarlowJack HarlowOctober 29, 2022 (2022-10-29)4.12[30]

  • Jack Harlow performs a medley of "Lil Secret" and "First Class" for his first set and "State Fair" for his second.
  • Jeff Probst appears in the "Joker Wedding" sketch.
  • Tom Hanks appears in the "AA Meeting" sketch, introduces Harlow's first performance, and appears as David S. Pumpkins in the "David Pumpkins Returns" sketch.
  • Bobby Moynihan appears as Drunk Uncle on Weekend Update and appears in the "David Pumpkins Returns" sketch.
  • Cecily Strong returns after being absent for the first three episodes of the season.[29] She also introduces Harlow's second performance.
9355Amy SchumerSteve LacyNovember 5, 2022 (2022-11-05)4.32[31]

  • Steve Lacy performs "Bad Habit" and "Helmet".
  • After Weekend Update, a photo of rapper Takeoff, who died earlier in the week, is shown in silence.
9366Dave ChappelleBlack StarNovember 12, 2022 (2022-11-12)4.75[33]

9377Keke PalmerSZADecember 3, 2022 (2022-12-03)3.99[35]

  • SZA performs "Shirt" and "Blind" and appears in the pre-recorded "Big Boys" sketch.
  • During her monologue, Keke Palmer confirmed rumors that she is pregnant.[34]
  • Natasha Lyonne appears in the "Hello Kitty" sketch.
  • Kel Mitchell appears in the pre-recorded "Kenan & Kelly" sketch and in the goodnights.
9388Steve Martin & Martin ShortBrandi CarlileDecember 10, 2022 (2022-12-10)[a]5.06[38]

  • Brandi Carlile performs "The Story" for her first set and "You and Me on the Rock" with Lucius for her second.
  • Short introduces Carlile's first performance while Martin introduces Carlile's second performance.
  • Selena Gomez appears in the opening monologue and in the Father of the Bride – Part 8 sketch.
  • Writers Martin Herlihy, John Higgins, and Ben Marshall, as well as Sarah Sherman's father, Mike Sherman, appear in the pre-recorded "Please Don't Destroy – Chelsea" sketch.[36]
  • Kieran Culkin appears in the Father of the Bride – Part 8 sketch.
9399Austin ButlerLizzo[b]December 17, 2022 (2022-12-17)4.36[41]

  • Lizzo performs "Break Up Twice" and "Someday at Christmas" and appears in the pre-recorded "Please Don't Destroy – Plirts" sketch.
    • During her first performance, Lizzo honored late artist Annie Lee's painting, Blue Monday, by appearing in a white dress in front of a blue background.[39]
  • Writers Martin Herlihy, John Higgins, and Ben Marshall appear in the pre-recorded "Please Don't Destroy – Plirts" sketch.
  • Cecily Strong’s final episode as a cast member; to mark her departure, Butler and the cast perform "Blue Christmas".
94010Aubrey PlazaSam SmithJanuary 21, 2023 (2023-01-21)4.81[42]

94111Michael B. JordanLil BabyJanuary 28, 2023 (2023-01-28)4.17[43]

  • Lil Baby performs "California Breeze" and "Forever" with Chloe Flower on piano and Fridayy appearing on the screen singing the chorus.
  • Writers Alex English and Ceara O’Sullivan appear in the pre-recorded “Falling Down” sketch.
94212Pedro PascalColdplayFebruary 4, 2023 (2023-02-04)4.30[44]

  • Coldplay performs "The Astronaut" and a medley of "Human Heart" and "Fix You" with Jacob Collier and the Jason Max Ferdinand Singers.
    • Actress Natasha Ofili appears in the first performance, performing ASL interpretation while donning a blue Alien mask.
  • Sarah Paulson appears in the "Fancam Assembly" sketch.
  • The "Fancam Assembly" sketch features the song "Big Boys" from this season’s Keke Palmer episode.
94313Woody HarrelsonJack WhiteFebruary 25, 2023 (2023-02-25)4.16[45]

  • Jack White performs a medley of "Taking Me Back" and "Fear of the Dawn" for his first set and "A Tip from You to Me" for his second.
  • Writers Martin Herlihy, John Higgins, and Ben Marshall appear in the pre-recorded "Please Don't Destroy – Stakeout" sketch.
  • After Weekend Update, a tribute to longtime production designer Eugene Lee, who died February 6, is shown in silence.
  • Before the goodnights, a photo of Richard Belzer, who died earlier in the week, is shown in silence.
  • Scarlett Johansson appears in the goodnights to induct Harrelson into the Five-Timers Club. A jacket was also given to White, a five-time musical guest by Kenan Thompson.
94414Travis KelceKelsea BalleriniMarch 4, 2023 (2023-03-04)4.52[47]

  • Kelsea Ballerini performs "Blindsided" and "Penthouse".
  • Writers Martin Herlihy, John Higgins, and Ben Marshall appear in the pre-recorded "Please Don't Destroy – Self-Defense" sketch.
  • Kelce's parents, Ed and Donna, and his brother, Jason, appear in the opening monologue. Jason also appears in the "Abby the Ex-Girlfriend" sketch.
  • After Weekend Update, a photograph of John Head, one of the show's original editors, is shown in silence.[46]
94515Jenna OrtegaThe 1975March 11, 2023 (2023-03-11)4.24[48]

  • The 1975 performs "I'm in Love with You" and "Oh Caroline".
  • Fred Armisen appears in the opening monologue and in the "Parent Trap" sketch.
  • Writers Martin Herlihy, John Higgins, and Ben Marshall appear in the pre-recorded "Please Don't Destroy – Road Trip" sketch.
  • Before the goodnights, a photo of Erin Maroney Fraser, an assistant who worked on the show for several years, and who died March 3, is shown in silence.
94616Quinta BrunsonLil YachtyApril 1, 2023 (2023-04-01)4.21[49]

  • Lil Yachty, with Diana Gordon, performs "the BLACK seminole." and "drive ME crazy!".
  • Writers Martin Herlihy, John Higgins, and Ben Marshall appear in the pre-recorded "Please Don't Destroy – Street Eats" sketch.
94717Molly ShannonJonas BrothersApril 8, 2023 (2023-04-08)4.14[50]

  • Jonas Brothers perform "Waffle House" for their first set and "Walls" with Jon Bellion and Kirk Franklin for their second.
    • Nick Jonas appears in "The Play" sketch, and Nick, Joe and Kevin appear in the "New Choreographer" sketch.
  • Martin Short and Lorne Michaels appear in the opening monologue.
  • Writers Martin Herlihy, John Higgins, and Ben Marshall appear in the pre-recorded "Please Don't Destroy – Molly Shannon 2K23" sketch.
  • Shannon reprises her roles as Jeannie Darcy in the pre-recorded "Jeannie Darcy: Selective Startage" sketch and Sally O'Malley in the "New Choreographer" sketch.
  • During the goodnights, James Austin Johnson and Devon Walker jointly hold and Punkie Johnson wears a shirt with Justin Jones and Justin J. Pearson's names on them.
94818Ana de ArmasKarol GApril 15, 2023 (2023-04-15)3.80[52]

  • Karol G performs "Mientras Me Curo del Cora" and "Tus Gafitas" and appears in the "Spanish Class" sketch.
  • This is the first time in the show's history both the host and musical guest are Latina.[51]
  • Writers Martin Herlihy, John Higgins, and Ben Marshall appear in the pre-recorded "Please Don't Destroy – Hangxiety" sketch.

Episodes canceled due to writers strike

[edit]

The following episodes were publicly announced, but cancelled due to the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike.

Scheduled airdate Booked host Booked musical guest Ref.
May 6, 2023 Pete Davidson[c] Lil Uzi Vert [54]
May 13, 2023 Kieran Culkin Labrinth [55]
May 20, 2023 Jennifer Coolidge Foo Fighters[d] [55]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ During the episode's original airing, the audio in some markets was out of sync during the cold open and part of the opening monologue. This issue was fixed partway through the monologue, and the rerun later that night had the audio synced with the video.[37]
  2. ^ Yeah Yeah Yeahs were originally booked as this episode’s musical guest, but had to cancel the week prior due to guitarist Nick Zinner’s hospitalization for pneumonia.[40]
  3. ^ Davidson hosted the next season's premiere episode, on October 14, 2023.[53]
  4. ^ Foo Fighters performed as the musical guest on October 28, 2023, the third episode of the next season.[56]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ White, Peter (September 12, 2022). "'Saturday Night Live' Sets Season 48 Premiere". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
  2. ^ Schwartz, Ryan (September 20, 2022). "SNL: Miles Teller to Host Premiere; Brendan Gleeson, Megan Thee Stallion Also Tapped for Season 48". TVLine. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
  3. ^ "Listings – May 20, 2023". The Futon Critic. Retrieved February 9, 2023. saturday night live: original tba (#4821) [48th season finale]
  4. ^ Clayton Davis (May 4, 2023). "'SNL' Set Kieran Culkin and Jennifer Coolidge to Host Before WGA Strike Shut Down the Show Indefinitely". Variety. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
  5. ^ White, Peter; Andreeva, Nellie (May 20, 2022). "'SNL': Kate McKinnon, Aidy Bryant & Kyle Mooney To Exit Alongside Pete Davidson As Major Cast Shake-Up Set For Season Finale". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  6. ^ Schwartz, Ryan (September 1, 2022). "SNL: Melissa Villaseñor and Alex Moffat Among 3 More Cast Members Out Ahead of Season 48". TVLine. Retrieved September 1, 2022.
  7. ^ Steinberg, Brian (September 19, 2022). "Chris Redd Is Latest to Exit 'Saturday Night Live'". Variety. Retrieved September 19, 2022.
  8. ^ White, Peter (September 12, 2022). "'SNL': Lorne Michaels Addresses Season 48 Cast Changes, Reveals There Will Be At Least Four New Castmembers". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  9. ^ Dellatto, Marisa. "Lorne Michaels Says 'SNL' Cast Member Exodus Was A Result Of The Pandemic". Forbes. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
  10. ^ Schneider, Michael (September 13, 2022). "'Saturday Night Live' Producer Lorne Michaels on the Upcoming 'Transition' Year and Plan to Add Four New Castmembers". Variety. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
  11. ^ "Aidy Bryant's 'SNL' Exit Interview: 'I Was Worried I Was Going to be Fully Crying'". June 21, 2022.
  12. ^ "Interview: Kate McKinnon on Saying Good-bye to SNL". August 11, 2022.
  13. ^ Rose, Lacey (September 19, 2024). "'SNL' Turns 50. Now What? Lorne Michaels, Colin Jost and Michael Che on Election Insanity, Succession Plans and Trying to Make America Funny Again". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 27, 2024.
  14. ^ Jevens, Darel (October 1, 2022). "Fear not, Cecily Strong fans: She hasn't left 'SNL'". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved October 1, 2022.
  15. ^ Schneider, Michael (June 20, 2023). "Cecily Strong and Ego Nwodim on Knowing When to Leave 'SNL' and Learning Not to Take Anything Personal". Variety. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  16. ^ White, Peter (September 12, 2022). "'SNL': Lorne Michaels Addresses Season 48 Cast Changes, Reveals There Will Be At Least Four New Castmembers". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  17. ^ Yurcaba, Jo (September 16, 2022). "'Saturday Night Live' announces its first nonbinary cast member". NBC News. Retrieved October 2, 2022.
  18. ^ Evans, Greg (February 8, 2023). "Eugene Lee Dies: Longtime 'SNL' Production Designer, Tony-Winning Broadway Scenic Designer Was 83". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 8, 2023.
  19. ^ Genzlingr, Neil (February 10, 2023). "Eugene Lee, Set Designer for Broadway and 'S.N.L.,' Dies at 83". The New York Times. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
  20. ^ "Miles Teller/Kendrick Lamar". Saturday Night Live. Season 48. Episode 1. October 1, 2022. Event occurs at Closing credits. NBC.
  21. ^ "Keke Palmer/SZA". Saturday Night Live. Season 48. Episode 7. December 3, 2022. Event occurs at Closing credits. NBC.
  22. ^ "Pedro Pascal/Coldplay". Saturday Night Live. Season 48. Episode 12. February 4, 2023. Event occurs at Closing credits. NBC.
  23. ^ "Saturday Night Live Episode Listings". The Futon Critic.
  24. ^ Mitovich, Matt Webb (October 1, 2022). "SNL: Cecily Strong MIA From Opening Credits While Doing Play in L.A." TVLine. Retrieved October 2, 2022.
  25. ^ Schwartz, Ryan (September 20, 2022). "SNL: Miles Teller to Host Premiere; Brendan Gleeson, Megan Thee Stallion Also Tapped for Season 48". TVLine. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
  26. ^ Salem, Mitch (October 4, 2022). "Saturday 10.1.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved October 4, 2022.
  27. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (October 11, 2022). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Saturday 10.8.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved October 13, 2022.
  28. ^ Salem, Mitch (October 18, 2022). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Saturday 10.15.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved October 18, 2022.
  29. ^ Darwish, Meghan (October 27, 2022). "Cecily Strong Returns to 'Saturday Night Live' — See Her on Set of Season 48 (PHOTO)". TV Insider. Retrieved October 27, 2022.
  30. ^ Salem, Mitch (November 1, 2022). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Saturday 10.29.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved December 11, 2022.
  31. ^ Salem, Mitch (November 8, 2022). "SHOWBUZZDAILY's Saturday 11.5.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved December 11, 2022.
  32. ^ France, Lisa Respers (November 14, 2022). "Dave Chappelle's 'SNL' monologue sparks backlash as being antisemitic". CNN. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
  33. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (November 15, 2022). "Saturday 11.12.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
  34. ^ Heching, Dan (December 4, 2022). "Keke Palmer reveals baby bump as part of her 'Saturday Night Live' opening monologue". CNN. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
  35. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (December 6, 2022). "Saturday 12.3.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  36. ^ Hoglund, Andy (December 11, 2022). "'Saturday Night Live' recap: Steve Martin and Martin Short make their triumphant return as hosts". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved December 11, 2022.
  37. ^ Lincoln, Ross A. (December 10, 2022). "'SNL' Audio Goes Out of Sync During Cold Open and Part of Steve Martin and Martin Short's Monologue". TheWrap. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
  38. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (December 13, 2022). "Saturday 12.10.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  39. ^ Meara, Paul (December 20, 2022). "Lizzo's 'SNL' Appearance Honors Annie Lee's Iconic Painting 'Blue Monday'". BET. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
  40. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (December 11, 2022). "Lizzo Steps In As Musical Guest For 'Saturday Night Live's Last Show Of 2022 After Yeah Yeah Yeahs Pull Out". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 11, 2022.
  41. ^ Salem, Mitch (December 20, 2022). "Saturday 12.17.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  42. ^ Salem, Mitch (January 24, 2023). "Saturday 1.21.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
  43. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (January 31, 2023). "Saturday 1.28.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
  44. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (January 31, 2023). "Saturday 2.4.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals UPDATED". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved February 7, 2023.
  45. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (February 28, 2023). "Broadcast News & Late Night Series 2.20–2.26.2023". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved February 28, 2023.
  46. ^ Davies, Alex (March 5, 2023). "SNL pays touching tribute to John Head as NBC show airs sweet title card". Daily Express. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  47. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (March 7, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Saturday 3.4.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals and Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  48. ^ Salem, Mitch (March 14, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Saturday 3.11.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals and Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  49. ^ Salem, Mitch (April 4, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Saturday 4.1.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals and Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
  50. ^ Metcalf, Mitch (April 10, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Saturday 4.8.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals and Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved April 12, 2023.
  51. ^ Toussaint, Jensen (April 11, 2023). "SNL: Ana de Armas y Karol G harán historia en SNL como presentadora e invitada musical". Al Día. Retrieved April 11, 2023.
  52. ^ Salem, Mitch (April 15, 2023). "ShowBuzzDaily's Saturday 4.15.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals and Network Finals". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  53. ^ Schwartz, Ryan (October 4, 2023). "Saturday Night Live Sets Return Date; Pete Davidson to Host Season 49 Premiere". TVLine. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
  54. ^ Portée, Alex (May 2, 2023). "Pete Davidson's 'SNL' hosting episode canceled as the show goes dark due to writers' strike". The Today Show.
  55. ^ a b White, Peter (May 4, 2023). "Kieran Culkin & Jennifer Coolidge Were Set To Host Final Two 'SNL' Shows As NBC Shuts Down Season".
  56. ^ Porter, Rick (October 17, 2023). "'Saturday Night Live': All the Season 49 Hosts and Musical Guests". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 17, 2023.