TikTok Star Grace Reiter Lands SNL Spot with Queens Writer Saidah

Two fresh faces are set to join Saturday Night Live’s rotating roster for its 52nd season. Saidah Belo‑Osagie, a Queens‑based writer‑director, and Grace Reiter, a TikTok sketch performer turned filmmaker, were announced as the show’s newest featured players.

Their addition comes as the long‑running sketch show readies for its next slate of hosts and musical guests.

The new hires follow the exits of longtime cast members Chloe Fineman and Martin Herlihy. Fineman departed after seven seasons, while Herlihy left after five, having recently written and performed with the sketch trio Please Don’t Destroy. The departures leave a gap that SNL aims to fill by expanding its talent pool.

Belo‑Osagie’s arrival is particularly noteworthy. She stepped into the role after the previous season saw no Black female cast members on the show, a situation producers have sought to correct since Ego Nwodim’s surprise exit in fall 2025.

Her work includes the event series Afrobeats Futura, the solo show Saidah Gets Closure, and the short film Tinge, which she wrote and directed. She is represented by Gersh, 3 Arts Entertainment, and Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz.

Reiter brings a different flavor to the ensemble. A native of Chippewa Falls, WI, she first gained traction as an original member of the TikTok sketch show Stapleview.

Her credits span Netflix’s upcoming mockumentary Minimum Wage—written and directed by her—HBO’s The Chair Company with Tim Robinson, and the online parody “The Hunger Games (but Better).” Reiter is represented by Gersh, Mosaic, and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern.

## Background & Context

Saturday Night Live’s Season 52 will premiere on September 26 at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT.

The episode will feature New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson as host and musical guest KATSEYE. Subsequent episodes will showcase a mix of celebrity hosts and performers, including Dakota Johnson with Turnstile on October 3, Shane Gillis with Rosalía on October 10, and Inde Navarette with Gracie Abrams on October 31.

The show remains created and executive‑produced by Lorne Michaels and is produced in association with Broadway Video.

The decision to bring in new talent follows a period of change within the show’s core cast. Departures of established members like Fineman and Herlihy have opened space for fresh voices, while the inclusion of Belo‑Osagie addresses a broader goal of increasing diversity on the panel.

Sources said SNL may film its updated title sequence featuring the new players as early as tomorrow, signaling an eagerness to showcase the expanded lineup to audiences.

## New Talent Highlights

Saidah Belo‑Osagie’s creative résumé underscores her versatility. Growing up in Queens, she has built a reputation for blending music and comedy in projects such as Afrobeats Futura and Saidah Gets Closure. Her short film Tinge was written and directed by her, demonstrating a knack for storytelling that translates well to sketch comedy.

Her representation by multiple agencies suggests a high demand for her talent across different media.

Grace Reiter, meanwhile, has cultivated a following through social media and online productions. Starting with the TikTok sketch show Stapleview, she expanded into film and television, writing and directing the forthcoming Netflix mockumentary Minimum Wage.

Her work with HBO’s The Chair Company and her parody of The Hunger Games further exhibit a sharp comedic eye and an ability to adapt to various formats. These experiences position her as a ready‑to‑hit contributor to SNL’s fast‑paced environment.

Both performers are affiliated with Gersh, indicating a shared connection that may help facilitate their integration into the show’s creative process. Their distinct backgrounds—one rooted in live event production and the other in digital media—promise a blend of perspectives that could enrich the sketch lineup for viewers.

## Season Preview

With the cast reshaped, Season 52 is poised to deliver fresh energy while maintaining the core elements that have made Saturday Night Live a staple of American comedy. The inclusion of Belo‑Osagie and Reiter adds both cultural diversity and new comedic styles, aligning with the show’s long history of evolving talent.

Producers are reportedly moving swiftly to update the title sequence, suggesting a tight schedule for rehearsals and screen tests.

As the premiere approaches, fans can anticipate a mix of familiar hosts and musical acts alongside the fresh voices from the new featured players.

The show’s enduring format—rapid sketches, celebrity interviews, and musical performances—remains unchanged, but the addition of these two performers may influence the tone and timing of upcoming episodes. SNL’s ability to adapt its cast in response to departures and industry shifts will likely be a key factor in the season’s success.

Season 52 is set to debut on September 26, with a lineup that reflects both continuity and change. Viewers can expect a blend of seasoned performers and newcomers, underscored by the show’s commitment to diversity and innovation.