Overview

• Michaels confirmed he plans to "shake things up" for Season 51 and said casting news will be revealed in about a week.
• The 51st season is scheduled to premiere on NBC on Saturday, October 4.
• Michaels reiterated he is not retiring and said he has been sharing more decision-making with colleagues while retaining final say.
• Writer Celeste Yim said they are leaving after five seasons and described the job as grueling, noting they were the show's first openly trans writer.
• Michaels said last season avoided major disruptions to accommodate 50th-anniversary reunions and election coverage, echoing Kenan Thompson's hint of bigger changes ahead.