Saturday Night Live begins screen tests for Season 52 cast

NBC’s Saturday Night Live has concluded its talent showcases for Season 52, moving into the screen test phase for potential new cast members. The casting process involved five showcases held across three major comedy markets: Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York.

Performers identified as standouts from the showcases include Trent Mason, Saidah Belo-Osagie, Ana Fabrega, Claire Riffle, Grace Reiter, Devin Bockrath, Olivia Puckett, Ismael Loutfi, Rachel Coster, and Russell Daniels. In Chicago, Peyton Ruddy was noted as a top performer, while Joey Welsh, Allisha Edwards, and Amber Singletary were highlighted in the New York sessions.

The search for new talent follows the departure of Chloe Fineman and follows a period of discussion regarding cast representation following Ego Nwodim’s exit in 2025. Several performers of color, including Kaba Hues, April Rock, Allisha Edwards, Amber Singletary, and Saidah Belo-Osagie, were noted among the top talents identified during the auditions.