NEW YORK — Saturday Night Live has filled its final open slots for Season 52 by hiring two new featured players: Grace Reiter and Saidah Belo-Osagie.
The announcement on September 16, 2026, completes the cast ahead of the season premiere on September 26. The show returns with host Jalen Brunson and musical guest Katseye.
Who Are the New Cast Members?
Grace Reiter is a Wisconsin-born comedian and actor who built a large following on TikTok and Instagram with viral sketches and characters. She appeared in Tim Robinson’s HBO series The Chair Company and stars in the upcoming series Minimum Wage, which she also wrote and directed. Reiter becomes one of the youngest members of the current cast.
Saidah Belo-Osagie is a Nigerian-American comedian, writer, and filmmaker from Queens, New York. She wrote and directed the short film Tinge, created the event series Afrobeats Futura, and performs the solo show Saidah Gets Closure. Her social media sketches have also gained attention.
Cast Changes Heading Into Season 52
The new hires come after the departures of Chloe Fineman, who announced she would not return after seven seasons, and Bowen Yang, who left mid-season last year. All other Season 51 cast members are returning. Ashley Padilla and Jane Wickline have been promoted to repertory players.
With the addition of Reiter and Belo-Osagie, the Season 52 ensemble is set. The show will shoot its updated title sequence in the coming days.
Based on official announcements and reporting from September 16, 2026.
