Overview
- Formal casting announcements are expected "in a week or so," according to Michaels' interview with Puck News.
- James Austin Johnson is confirmed to return and continue portraying President Donald Trump.
- Multiple current cast members are expected to depart, with new hires eyed following reported summer auditions.
- Season 51 premieres Oct. 4 on NBC, with episodes available to stream on Peacock the next day.
- Michaels says more colleagues now contribute to casting decisions, though he still makes the final call.