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SNL Promotes Powers, Schwartz Ahead of Season 52
Confirmed
In Short: Saturday Night Live has elevated Keri Powers to head its talent department and promoted Rebecca Schwartz to producer.
Saturday Night Live has promoted two longtime members of its talent team ahead of its Season 52 premiere.
Keri Powers, who has been with the show for 12 years, has been elevated to serve as the sole head of SNL’s Talent Department, expanding her role overseeing the team responsible for booking the show’s hosts, musical guests, and guest stars.
Rebecca Schwartz, another 12-year veteran of the show’s talent team, has been promoted to producer, taking on increased responsibilities supporting SNL’s cast and production efforts.
The promotions come as SNL prepares to kick off its 52nd season Saturday night, with New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson as host and musical guest KATSEYE.
Powers and Schwartz had worked alongside former talent producer Mike Siedlecki, who recently departed the show.
TheWrap noted that Powers becomes sole head of the talent department, while Schwartz is upped to producer, increasing her responsibilities.
TheWrap also reported that the show has three more episodes lined up after the season premiere, scheduled for October.
The cold open of the new season featured Ramy Youssef as New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, with a visit from President Donald Trump portrayed by James Austin Johnson.
However, linear viewers in many parts of the country suffered a delay due to college football running late, affecting the start of the season.
Background
Saturday Night Live has promoted Keri Powers to sole head of its talent department and Rebecca Schwartz to producer, ahead of its Season 52 premiere.
What's confirmed
- The move comes a day before “SNL” returns with its Season 52 premiere with New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson as host and musical guest KATSEYE.
What's still developing
- Insiders tell LateNighter she was spotted seated next to Lorne Michaels during this season’s in-studio screen tests.
- Longtime cast member Chloe Fineman exited the show after a seven-season run, while Martin Herlihy, one third of the “Please Don’t Destroy” group, left his writer position (leaving cast member Ben Marshall as the only one remaining).
- RELATED: How ‘SNL’ Introduced Season 52’s New Cast Members Saidah Belo-Osagie & Grace Reiter The skit also featured the first appearance of Trump aide Natalie Harp (Ashley Padilla), who makes an unexpected appearance at the Trump-Mamdani lovefest.