SNL Season 52 Opens With Two New Faces

Saturday Night Live started Season 52 with two new names in the credits.

Saidah Belo-Osagie and Grace Reiter joined as featured players, meaning performers in the show's entry-level cast tier. Both made their first appearance in the season premiere on 26 September, hosted by New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson, according to NBC NBC Insider.

The show wasted no time putting them on screen. Belo-Osagie and Reiter were introduced together in an early sketch about The Debut: Dream Academy and its search for the next breakout girl group, as reported by Deadline.

Belo-Osagie played Neelsa Boyce, a 17-year-old who had played Young Nala in The Lion King on Broadway as a child. Reiter played Margle, a contestant who said she only wears flip flops because she passes out when trying to tie her shoes.

The sketch built to a performance. The final girl group, including Reiter's Margle, sang the single "Newton's Cradle" alongside KATSEYE. KATSEYE, the winner of The Debut Season 1, was also the musical guest for the premiere night.

Reiter got a second outing before the night ended. She appeared in the closing locker-room sketch as Tonya, alongside Kenan Thompson and Kam Patterson.

Their arrival follows two departures. The show said goodbye before Season 52 to cast member Chloe Fineman and to writer-performer Martin Herlihy of Please Don't Destroy.

What comes next is already on the calendar. Dakota Johnson will host with musical guest Turnstile on 3 October, Shane Gillis will host with Rosalia on 10 October, and Inde Navarette will host with Gracie Abrams on 31 October.

Season 52 premiered on 26 September 2026 NBC Insider. For a show that turns over its cast almost every year, the first episode is always an audition in front of everyone. Belo-Osagie and Reiter passed the first test. They were in the sketches.