Saturday Night Live introduced new featured players Saidah Belo-Osagie and Grace Reiter during its season 52 premiere, although neither had a major role. They appeared together in a sketch parodying a reality competition seeking a new girl group, with Reiter receiving the larger part and returning briefly in the final sketch.

Belo-Osagie played a former young Broadway performer, while Reiter portrayed the eccentric Margle, who joins the competition after witnessing a hit-and-run and misunderstands the programme’s purpose. Reiter also appeared as Tonya in a locker-room comedy involving host Jalen Brunson and Kenan Thompson; both newcomers had limited screen time, while SNL also introduced new panelist sketches and said goodbye to Chloe Fineman and Martin Herlihy.