Saturday Night Live has finally unveiled its Season 52 roster, and for those keeping an eye on the show's Latino talent, the news is reassuring. Marcello Hernández, the Cuban-American comedian who joined in 2022, is staying put as a full repertory player. Meanwhile, Ashley Padilla, who came aboard as a featured player in Season 50, has earned a promotion to the main cast.
Marcello Hernández: no exit, just more sketches
Hernández has become one of SNL's most recognizable younger performers, known for his Weekend Update segments and character work that often nods to his Miami roots and Cuban heritage. NBC confirmed he will return alongside veterans like Kenan Thompson, Michael Che, Colin Jost, Mikey Day, Andrew Dismukes, James Austin Johnson, and Sarah Sherman. So for fans who worried about a surprise departure, the answer is clear: he's not going anywhere.
This news comes on the heels of a busy year for Hernández, who recently hosted the 2026 ESPYs in New York—a milestone for Latino representation in mainstream entertainment. He's also been the subject of playful roasts, like the one from Fernando Mendoza at the ESPYs, which only adds to his growing profile beyond Studio 8H.
Ashley Padilla's big step up
Padilla's name is also on the Season 52 list, but with a notable upgrade. After two seasons as a featured player, she's been promoted to repertory status, joining Jane Wickline in that transition. It's a well-earned move for the comedian, who has proven her versatility in sketches and live segments. For Latino viewers, seeing Padilla rise in the ranks is a positive sign of SNL's evolving diversity.
Who's leaving and who's coming in
The biggest departure is Chloe Fineman, who exits after seven seasons. Bowen Yang, a fan favorite, had already left during Season 51, so his absence isn't part of this week's announcement. Writer and occasional performer Martin Herlihy of Please Don't Destroy is also moving on.
To fill the gaps, SNL has added two new featured players: Saidah Belo-Osagie, a Queens-based comedian, writer, and director, and Grace Reiter, who's built a following through online comedy. They'll join returning featured players Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska.
For those specifically tracking the Latino angle, there's no reason to worry about Hernández. And Padilla's promotion is a clear signal that her work has resonated. Season 52 premieres September 26 on NBC, with Jalen Brunson hosting and KATSEYE as the musical guest. It's a fresh chapter for the show, and for Latino representation on one of TV's most iconic stages.
