Get ready for a star-studded spectacle because the SNL Season 51 premiere with Bad Bunny was a whirlwind of surprises, and you might’ve missed some of the biggest moments! But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this the most packed premiere in SNL history, or did it rely too heavily on guest appearances to shine? Let’s dive in and decide.
Bad Bunny kicked off the season with a bang on October 4, marking SNL’s first episode after its monumental 50th anniversary celebration. The Puerto Rican sensation didn’t just perform—he dominated the stage with razor-sharp comedic timing and undeniable charisma. In his opening monologue, he even threw in a few Spanish quips while playfully addressing the backlash from conservative critics over his Super Bowl halftime show announcement. And this is the part most people miss: His ability to blend humor with cultural commentary made this monologue more than just a laugh—it was a statement.
But Bad Bunny wasn’t the only musical powerhouse in Studio 8H that night. Doja Cat took the stage as the premiere’s musical guest, delivering a retro-inspired performance straight out of the 80s. She debuted two tracks from her album Vie—the sultry “Gorgeous” and the energetic “Aaah Men!”—setting the tone for her upcoming Tour Ma Vie World Tour. Her bold, nostalgic aesthetic left audiences buzzing, but here’s the question: Did her performance overshadow the sketches, or did it perfectly complement the night’s energy? Let us know in the comments!
Now, onto the surprises. Because let’s be honest, what’s SNL without a few unexpected cameos? First up, Jon Hamm crashed Bad Bunny’s monologue, hilariously recreating his viral moment from a Bad Bunny concert earlier this year. The rapper quipped, ‘Some celebrities came to my show. Few of them were on drugs. And I don’t want to say who, but this was Jon Hamm,’ as the camera panned to Hamm in the crowd, perfectly mimicking his concert antics. Controversial take: Was this cameo genius or just a rehash of an old joke? You decide.
Next, in a K-Pop Demon Hunters sketch, Bad Bunny tried to convince his friends that the Netflix phenomenon wasn’t just for kids. Cue Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, who stormed the stage to perform their hit ‘Golden’ live for the first time. The sketch was a clever nod to pop culture, but here’s the debate: Did it feel organic, or was it a forced attempt to capitalize on K-Pop’s global popularity?
Benicio del Toro also made a surprise appearance in a sketch about the invention of the Spanish language. His suggestions—like adding ‘siesta’ to the vocabulary and emphasizing the rolled ‘R’—were both hilarious and educational. But here’s the twist: Was his cameo a clever addition or a distraction from the sketch’s main premise?
And let’s not forget Jon Hamm’s second appearance, this time in the El Chavo del Ocho sketch. Almost unrecognizable, he played a man who interrupted a scene by kissing Chloe Fineman, only to be stopped by Bad Bunny. The real question: Did Hamm steal the show, or did his multiple cameos feel overdone?
Looking ahead, SNL continues its star-studded streak. On October 11, former cast member Amy Poehler returns as host, with viral sensation Role Model as the musical guest. Then, on October 18, Sabrina Carpenter pulls double duty as both host and musical guest. But here’s the burning question: Can these upcoming episodes match the premiere’s energy, or will they fall short?
From Bad Bunny’s bold monologue to Doja Cat’s retro vibes and the unexpected cameos, the SNL 51 premiere was a night to remember. But what did you think? Did the guest appearances elevate the show, or did they overshadow the core cast? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
