Major Cast Shakeup at ‘Saturday Night Live’ as Four Cast Members and Two Writers Exit Ahead of Season 51
New York, NY – August 31, 2025, “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) is undergoing a significant transformation as it prepares for its 51st season, set to premiere on October 4, 2025. Following the show’s milestone 50th anniversary season, which culminated in a star-studded finale hosted by Scarlett Johansson on May 17, 2025, several key cast members and writers have announced their departures. The exodus, described by some outlets as an “earthquake” or “bloodbath,” marks the largest cast turnover since 2022, when eight members left before Season 48.
Cast Members Leaving SNL
Four cast members have confirmed they will not return to Studio 8H for Season 51, each sharing personal reflections on their time with the iconic sketch comedy show:
- Heidi Gardner: After eight seasons, Gardner, who joined SNL in 2017, is the longest-tenured cast member among those departing. Known for her memorable “Weekend Update” characters like teen movie critic Bailey Gismert and “every boxer’s girlfriend from every boxing movie ever” Angel, Gardner appeared in more sketches than any other cast member in Season 50. Her exit was first reported by Vulture on August 28, 2025, though she has not yet publicly commented. In an earlier interview with Craig Ferguson, Gardner hinted at “sketch fatigue,” suggesting the creative demands of the show had become challenging.
- Michael Longfellow: Longfellow, who joined in 2022 for Season 48, announced his departure on August 28, 2025, via Instagram. In his heartfelt post, he expressed gratitude to SNL creator Lorne Michaels, stating, “It was the best three years of my life so far. I feel nothing but gratitude for the experience and everyone there.” Longfellow, a fan favorite for his “Weekend Update” appearances, noted he wished to return but accepted the decision, adding, “I’ll miss the friends I made and seeing them every day the most.”
- Devon Walker: Also joining in 2022, Walker confirmed his exit on August 25, 2025, through an Instagram post that candidly described his SNL tenure as a “little marriage” that was “sometimes really cool” but also “toxic as hell.” He portrayed figures like New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Michael Strahan during his three seasons. Walker emphasized that his departure was “good news” for his career, hinting at future projects, including a desire to star in a “prestige drama” with Julianne Moore.
- Emil Wakim: A featured player in Season 50, Wakim announced his exit on August 27, 2025, calling the news a “gut punch.” The Lebanese-American comedian, who joined alongside Ashley Padilla and Jane Wickline, described his single season at SNL as “the most terrifying, thrilling, and rewarding experience of my life.” He received the call about his departure while at Six Flags, reflecting on it during an emotional walk through Bugs Bunny Park.
Writers Departing the Show
In addition to the cast, two writers are also leaving the SNL writing room:
- Celeste Yim: Yim, the first out transgender and nonbinary writer in SNL history, announced their departure on August 24, 2025, after five seasons. Hired in 2020 and promoted to writing supervisor in 2023, Yim wrote, “Lorne hired me over the phone when I was 23, and the job literally made all of my dreams come true.” They thanked cast member Bowen Yang for “changing my life and making me feel normal,” highlighting their close collaboration.
- Rosebud Baker: Baker, who joined in 2022, confirmed her exit on August 25, 2025, via an Instagram Story, coinciding with the announcement of her fall comedy tour. She had been a writer for three seasons, often collaborating with Michael Che.
Lorne Michaels’ Plan to “Shake Things Up”
The departures align with SNL creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels’ earlier promise to “shake things up” for Season 51. In an August 2025 interview with Puck, Michaels expressed feeling “the pressure to reinvent” after keeping the cast largely intact for the 50th anniversary season to avoid disruptions during the milestone celebration. “It’ll be announced in a week or so,” he told Puck, signaling major changes.
While some cast members, like Walker, framed their exits as opportunities for new ventures, others, including Wakim and Longfellow, indicated their departures were not entirely their choice, suggesting Michaels’ editorial decisions played a role. The scale of the turnover has sparked discussions among fans, with some speculating on social media about additional exits, including rumors about veteran cast members like Colin Jost, Michael Che, or Bowen Yang. However, only James Austin Johnson has explicitly confirmed his return for Season 51.
Context of SNL’s Turnover
Cast turnover is a hallmark of SNL, with its history of launching comedy stars like Will Ferrell, Kate McKinnon, and Eddie Murphy. The current exits follow a relatively stable period, as Season 50 saw no immediate departures after its finale, a rarity for the show. In contrast, Season 47’s conclusion in 2022 saw eight cast members, including Kate McKinnon and Pete Davidson, leave. The current departures, while significant, reflect Michaels’ intent to refresh the show, potentially making room for new talent. No new cast members have been announced yet, but such reveals typically occur closer to the season premiere.
Looking Ahead
As SNL prepares for its October 4 premiere, fans are eager to see how the remaining cast—veterans like Kenan Thompson (22 seasons), Colin Jost, Michael Che, Mikey Day, Ego Nwodim, and newer stars like Bowen Yang—will shape Season 51. The show’s 50th season was lauded for its viral sketches and anniversary special, but the departures signal a new chapter. With Michaels, now 80, still at the helm and no retirement announcement confirmed, the focus remains on reinvention while preserving SNL’s legacy as a comedy institution.
For updates on Season 51, including new cast announcements and episode details, fans can tune into NBC or stream past episodes on Peacock.