New Era Begins for Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live is back in the spotlight—but this time, it’s not about sketches. After a star-studded 50th season, the legendary NBC show is ushering in its next era with a major cast overhaul, just ahead of its SNL Season 51 debut on October 4 at 11:30 p.m. ET.
Lorne Michaels, the show’s creator, had hinted that big changes were coming after the milestone season, and he’s delivered on that promise.
“Yes, I expect to shake things up.” — Lorne Michaels to Puck
And shake things up, he did.
Familiar Faces Say Goodbye
This season, four key cast members are exiting—some expected, others downright surprising:
- Heidi Gardner: A fan favorite since 2017 and the most featured performer in Season 49, she’s known for unforgettable characters like Bailey Gismert. While not officially confirmed by NBC, her absence has sparked countless fan tributes.
- Michael Longfellow: A Weekend Update regular, Longfellow posted a bittersweet farewell on social media:
“Will not be returning for a 4th season at SNL. Wish I was but, so it goes.” - Devon Walker: Known for his sharp impersonations, Walker posted an emotional note:
“Sometimes it was really cool. Sometimes it was toxic as hell… We made a f*ed up lil family.” - Emil Wakim: A standout in his only season, Wakim recalled the moment he learned he was let go:
“Gut punch of a call to get.”
These exits, especially Gardner’s, sparked intense discussion online, with many questioning SNL’s approach to nurturing new talent.
“They’ve gotta stop getting rid of good first season cast members.” — Disappointed Reddit user
The feeling of characters vanishing before reaching full potential may resonate with anyone who’s ever been hooked on a show that ended too soon—much like how Mindhunter left fans wanting more, cutting short a brilliant exploration of the criminal psyche.
Meet the Fresh New Lineup in SNL Season 51
SNL isn’t just letting go—it’s bringing in a wave of five new cast members to breathe fresh life into the sketch comedy institution:
- Ben Marshall: Already known from the Please Don’t Destroy trio, Marshall transitions from behind the scenes to on-camera.
- Veronika Slowikowska: The only Canadian in the bunch, she’s best known for roles in What We Do in the Shadows and Netflix’s Tires.
- Tommy Brennan: A rising stand-up comic with spots on The Tonight Show and Don’t Tell Comedy.
- Jeremy Culhane: Viral TikToker and Upright Citizens Brigade alum with acting credits in The Sex Lives of College Girls.
- Kam Patterson: Comedian seen on Kill Tony, he’ll soon star in Kevin Hart’s film 72 Hours.
“We’re excited about this new class—they bring diverse voices and fresh humor.” — NBC Press Statement
This focus on youth and reinvention mirrors how We Live in Time reinvents classic storytelling by using fragmented timelines to reflect modern love and memory—SNL seems to be trying something equally layered in its own comedic realm.
Writers’ Room Shifts Behind the Curtains
It’s not just the cast undergoing changes—two significant writers are also parting ways:
- Celeste Yim: The show’s first out nonbinary writer leaves after five influential seasons.
- Rosebud Baker: A force behind sketches since 2022, Baker confirmed her departure publicly.
These behind-the-scenes exits suggest that not only the faces but also the tone, pacing, and structure of sketches could shift drastically—a move as daring as exploring identity and transformation through unexpected terrain, like in Ash, where personal and cosmic battles intertwine.
Reactions Pour In: Mixed Emotions From SNL Fans and Comedians
SNL’s massive fanbase didn’t stay silent. Online platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) were flooded with farewells, fan art, and heated discussions:
- Bowen Yang, Ziwe, and Hannah Einbinder publicly supported departing castmates.
- Fans were especially vocal about the underuse of Wakim and Walker, calling their exits “premature.”
Despite the sadness, many remain hopeful, eager to see what this revamped cast can bring to a show that’s always evolving.
What’s Next: Familiar Characters & New Energy
One confirmed return has fans buzzing: James Austin Johnson will reprise his acclaimed Donald Trump impression.
- Live Broadcast: NBC, October 4 at 11:30 p.m. ET
- Streaming: Next day on Peacock
While cast confirmations are still rolling in, it’s clear the new season is positioning itself to be relevant, edgy, and perhaps even boldly experimental.
