Overview
- Brunson hosted the Season 52 premiere on Saturday, Sept. 26, and four starters—Karl‑Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, O.G. Anunoby and Josh Hart—appeared in the audience and joined him onstage during his monologue.
- The episode opened with a cold open that lampooned New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and President Donald Trump, reinforcing SNL’s long-running use of topical political satire.
- KATSEYE served as musical guest, performing in sketches and songs that underline the show’s continued use of global pop acts assembled through major‑label partnerships.
- Behind the scenes, SNL promoted Keri Powers to lead its talent department and Rebecca Schwartz to producer while adding new featured players and acknowledging several recent exits.
- Brunson’s turn follows a small lineage of NBA hosts and increases his mainstream visibility, giving SNL a sports‑driven, hometown promotional moment that the show is using to kick off its early season lineup.