Bad Bunny Hosts SNL Season 51, First Former Musical Guest to Lead Show

When Bad Bunny, Puerto Rican reggaeton star, stepped onto the stage of Saturday Night Live for its Season 51 premiere on October 4, 2025, he made TV history.

The live broadcast ran from Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center, New York City, kicking off a year‑long celebration of the show’s 50th anniversary. At 11:35 PM ET, the audience got more than the usual sketch‑filled feast – they witnessed the first ever transition from musical guest to host in the half‑century run of the iconic NBC program.

Why This Moment Matters

Bad Bunny first appeared on SNL back in May 2023, delivering a high‑energy performance of “Me Voy A Destruir.” That set the tone for his crossover appeal across English‑language media. Now, as host, he delivered a monologue that blended bilingual jokes with nods to his Caribbean roots, showing why the show’s producers bet on him to attract younger, streaming‑savvy viewers.

"It’s an honor to stand where so many legends have stood," Bad Bunny said before the opening sketch. "I grew up watching you guys, and now I get to be the one making people laugh. Let’s make some noise!" His words resonated with a studio audience that was roughly 60 % under 30, according to NBC’s post‑show analytics.

Episode Details and Guest Performances

Joining Bad Bunny on the couch were actress‑comedian Maya Ruth and veteran sketch performer Kenan Thompson. The trio tackled sketches ranging from a parody of viral TikTok challenges to a mock political debate featuring a cardboard‑cutout of Lorne Michaels.

The musical guest for the night was Grammy‑nominated rapper‑singer Doja Cat, who performed "Paint the Town Red" and a surprise acoustic rendition of her 2021 hit "Kiss Me More." The duo’s chemistry sparked a brief on‑stage dance‑off that even had the live audience chanting “¡Baila, Bad!”

Reactions From the Industry

Social‑media buzz was immediate. Within an hour, the hashtag #BadBunnySNL was trending on Twitter, gathering over 1.2 million tweets. Nielsen reported a live viewership of 4.3 million, a 9 % increase over the Season 50 premiere a year earlier.

Critics were largely favorable. The New York Times praised Bad Bunny’s “effortless charm” and highlighted his ability to bridge the gap between Latin‑American pop culture and American late‑night comedy. Conversely, some longtime SNL fans felt the sketches leaned too heavily on musical interludes, suggesting the show risked diluting its sketch‑centric DNA.

Impact on SNL’s 50th‑Anniversary Season

The episode set the tone for a slate of historic line‑ups. The October 11 show will see former cast member Amy Poehler return as host on SNL’s actual 50th birthday, with up‑and‑coming act Role Model as the musical guest. Then, on October 18, teenage pop star Sabrina Carpenter will both host and perform, echoing Paul Simon’s dual role on the show’s second episode back in 1975.

By positioning Bad Bunny—a global streaming star—at the forefront, NBC hopes to draw a more diverse demographic and reinforce SNL’s relevance in a streaming‑dominated landscape. The network’s chief programming officer, Jennifer Horowitz, noted, "We’re not just celebrating five decades; we’re writing the next chapter with voices that speak to today’s audience. Bad Bunny is a perfect bridge."

What’s Next for Bad Bunny and SNL

While Bad Bunny’s hosting gig is a one‑off, rumors swirl that he may return as a guest judge on the upcoming “SNL Makes It Music” competition segment slated for early 2026. Meanwhile, his record label, Rimas Music, announced a surprise EP drop the week after the SNL episode, featuring a collaboration with Doja Cat titled “Neon Island.”

For the show itself, the 50th‑anniversary season will feature a limited‑run documentary series, "SNL: 50 Years of Laughter," streaming on Peacock later this year. The series will include behind‑the‑scenes footage from Bad Bunny’s rehearsal process, offering fans a rare glimpse into the host’s preparation.

Key Facts

• Bad Bunny becomes the first former musical guest to host SNL.
• Episode aired live from Studio 8H, Rockefeller Center on Oct 4 2025.
• Doja Cat performed two songs, including a surprise acoustic set.
• Live viewership reached 4.3 million, trending #BadBunnySNL.
• Upcoming hosts include Amy Poehler (Oct 11) and Sabrina Carpenter (Oct 18).