Raleigh Native Brandon Alston Joined SNL Writing Staff
The North Carolina comedian has been named as a writer for the 52nd season of the long-running NBC sketch show.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Comedy
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Raleigh native Brandon Alston has joined the writing staff for the 52nd season of Saturday Night Live. The hiring of Alston and fellow writer Chase Rosenberg was confirmed by NBCUniversal on September 29, 2026.
Why it matters
The addition of new writers like Alston signals the latest creative refresh for the storied late-night program as it continues its decades-long run. His selection brings experience from the regional comedy circuit to a national platform.
Saturday Night Live is currently in its 52nd season and airs weekly on Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. on NBC and Peacock. The show has maintained a consistent production schedule since its premiere in the mid-1970s.
The players
Brandon Alston
He is a Raleigh-based comedian and former board member at Mettlesome comedy theater who is now an SNL staff writer.
Chase Rosenberg
He was hired as a writer for the 52nd season of Saturday Night Live alongside Brandon Alston.
NBCUniversal
It is the parent media company that produces and broadcasts Saturday Night Live on NBC and its streaming service Peacock.
The details
Alston brings a background in improvisational performance to the writers room, having previously served on the board of the Durham-based Mettlesome comedy theater. He also honed his craft performing at DSI Comedy Theater in Chapel Hill and Washington Improv Theater.
Timeline
Alston began his improvisational comedy journey in 1997.
Season 52 of Saturday Night Live premiered on September 26, 2026.
NBCUniversal confirmed the new writers on September 29, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This move highlights the ongoing cycle of creative refreshment that defines the television industry's most enduring sketch comedies. By tapping into regional scenes like those in North Carolina, the show continues to integrate fresh perspectives into its long-running production model.
Viewers can watch the work of the new writing staff by tuning into Saturday Night Live every Saturday night at 11:30 p.m. The episodes are also available for streaming on Peacock following the live broadcast.
The takeaway
Alston's transition to a major network highlights the impact of local improv communities in shaping national comedy talent. Aspiring writers can look to his path through regional institutions like Mettlesome and DSI as a viable trajectory for reaching larger stages.
Further reading
For more news on the local scene, visit the Comedy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The News&Observer.
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