Saturday Night Live is about to embark on its most significant cast overhaul in its nearly four-decade history. The show is starting the new season with a familiar face: veteran SNL performer and former head writer Tina Fey will open the 39th season of the late night franchise when it bows Sept. 28.

PHOTO: From Live TV to the Big Screen: 12 'SNL' Sketches Made Into Movies

Fey, who last season wrapped her NBC sitcom 30 Rock, will be joined by musical guest Arcade Fire. It is Fey's fourth appearance since she left the show.

Additional hosts include Miley Cyrus (Oct. 5) fresh from her controversial twerking performance at the MTV Video Music Awards, and Bruce Willis (Oct. 12) with musical guest Katy Perry.

The show, created by late night impresario Lorne Michaels, saw the exits of Bill Hader, Fred Armisen and Jason Sudeikis last season. Additionally, head writer and "Weekend Update" anchor Seth Meyers will leave later this year as he takes over Michaels' Late Night franchise from Jimmy Fallon, who will go on to The Tonight Show.

PHOTOS: Jimmy Fallon: From Early 'SNL' to Movie Star to 'Late Night'

While no official announcements have been made yet, sources close to SNL tell The Hollywood Reporter that five new cast members will join season 39, including Beck Bennett and Kyle Mooney of the sketch group Good Neighbor and Mike O'Brien, who has been a writer on the show for the past four seasons.