When the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike ended at the close of September, NBC’s Saturday Night Live wasted no time announcing its 49th season. Its first episode debuted in mid–October; the host was Pete Davidson, and the Bronx rapper and internet sensation Ice Spice was the musical guest. Davidson’s monologue commented deftly on the Israel–Hamas War, and his seven-minute opening reminded fans why S.N.L. has weathered almost 50 years of cable television: the show nimbly balances humor, intelligence, absurdity, and reality. S.N.L.’s cast looks much the same as last year’s, but with the addition of Chloe Troast, a stand-up and sketch comedian. It can take a while for a season to hit its stride, but Davidson set the right tone on the show’s first Saturday.
—Jack Sullivan