NEW YORK — Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny opened the 51st season of Saturday Night Live on NBC on October 4, addressing critics and previewing his Super Bowl LX performance.
Monologue and Super Bowl Details
Bad Bunny began by acknowledging detractors: “I think everybody is happy about it — even Fox News” during his opening monologue. He then spoke in Spanish to celebrate Latino pride and added, “You have four months to learn,” referencing his upcoming halftime show. The Super Bowl LX halftime show will take place on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, and will be performed entirely in Spanish.[1][2]
Cold Open Satirizes Defense Secretary
The cold open featured Colin Jost as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoofing a Pentagon briefing. Jost’s Hegseth declared “No fatties, no facial hair, no body hair” before declaring “late night TV” the greatest threat to democracy.[1]
Weekend Update Highlights ICE Discussion
On “Weekend Update,” Michael Che reported Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s statement that ICE agents would be present at the Super Bowl following Bad Bunny’s announcement. Che quipped the agents were there “to catch all those farmworkers who can afford Super Bowl tickets,” underscoring tensions over immigration enforcement.[2]
New Cast Lineup
Season 51 adds five featured players: Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska. They join repertory performers including Mikey Day, Chloe Fineman, James Austin Johnson, Michael Che, Colin Jost, Kenan Thompson, Bowen Yang, and others, forming a 17-member ensemble.[3][4]
Musical Guest and Sketch Highlights
Doja Cat made her SNL debut as musical guest. Sketch highlights included a medieval “Inventing Spanish” segment with Bad Bunny as a 10th-century ruler explaining noun gender, featuring a cameo by Benicio Del Toro.[1]
Upcoming Hosts and Milestones
Amy Poehler will host on October 11, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of SNL’s first episode on October 11, 1975. Sabrina Carpenter will host on October 18 and also serve as musical guest.[5]



