There’s some light at the end of the tunnel for the historic dual strike as theWGA and AMPTPreached a tentative agreement to end the writers' strike this past Sunday. That means certain variety shows likeSaturday Night Livehave a clearer path to returning. It didn’t take long forSNL’s return to become public either as it’s being reported that the award-winning sketch comedy show plans on an October premiere date for Season 49.
According toDeadline,SNLis eyeing either an October 7 or October 14 date. Of course, this is all determined by how the WGA votes when the contract language is finalized — just because there’s a tentative deal in place doesn’t mean the union is automatically going to approve finalization. However, given some of the extremely positive language coming out of this new deal, that final stamp of approval seems more than likely at this point. As the WGA fought hard for proper compensation and protections against AI, networks must now play catch-up in all areas including scripted television,talk shows, and more. As the AMPTP delayed negotiations through the summer,SNLmissed its usual September premiere date. The sketch comedy series also had its previousseason cut shortby three episodes when the WGA strike began in May.
‘SNL’s New Challenge
The biggest challengeSNLwill face now — if the WGA deal goes through — is finding hosts. When the deal does get finalized the SAG-AFTRA strike will still be in effect. This means the sketch comedy series will need to get creative with their hosting decisions so expect more athletes and musicians or even popular political figures to light up theSNLstage this season. The non-acting hosts have always been hit-and-miss for the series, butSNLwill probably dip into their well of talent and stick to what worked in the past. That means Chiefs tight endTravis Kelcewho made hisSNLdebut last season or evenTaylor Swiftmight be getting a phone call — thoughSwift is also a SAG member herself. The returning cast members are another challenge as much of the ensemble is part of SAG. Cast members likeChloe Fineman,Kenan Thompson, andColin Josthave been on the picket lines so until theSAGstrike is over a full return forSNLremains tricky.
‘SNL’s Gold Mine
In the time span of the almost 150-day WGA strike, there has been a treasure trove of material forSNLto mine. From politics to sports to out-of-touchgreedy Hollywood CEOs, the sky’s the limit for what the sketch comedy show can make fun of this season. There have been no new casting announcements, hosts, or musical guests revealed for Season 49 yet, but fans will be sure to learn more soon as we’re quickly approaching October. Until then, you can currently stream past seasons ofSNLonPeacockand stay tuned at Collider for future updates.
