The upcoming season of Saturday Night Live will feature Jalen Brunson, the acclaimed New York Knicks player, as a host for the premiere episode. Brunson joins a distinct group of athletes who have appeared on the iconic show. The season’s first episode, set for September 26, will also present musical guest Katseye.

Jalen Brunson’s previous experience with WWE suggests he might excel on SNL. Historically, athletes on the show have shown varying levels of comfort and performance. While some have stumbled through sketches, others have demonstrated surprising acting skills.

Reflecting on the history of athlete hosts, Peyton Manning is often highlighted as one of the best. His memorable appearance in the now-famous United Way parody commercial remains a fan favorite. LeBron James also impressed audiences, particularly in sketches like “The Lyle Kane Show” and “Read to Achieve.” While the former is hard to find, the latter is often quoted by fans.

SNL frequently balances athlete performances by surrounding them with skilled actors to carry scenes. Instances such as Michael Jordan with Al Franken’s Stuart Smalley have shown this approach. Sometimes athletes make appearances on Weekend Update, like the engaging segment with NHL legend Brett Hull.

The creative team at SNL hopefully utilized the summer to craft compelling material for Brunson as they gear up for the season kickoff at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. The audience eagerly awaits the debut of the 51st season, curious to see how this year’s mix of comedy and sports unfolds.

Matthew Reigle from OutKick shares these insights on the anticipated new season.