Who’s In and Who’s Out? ‘Saturday Night Live’ Cast Shakeup Ahead of Season 51

As Saturday Night Live (SNL) prepares to launch its landmark 51st season on October 4, 2025, the iconic NBC sketch comedy show is undergoing a significant cast transformation. After a relatively stable period during the 50th anniversary celebrations, multiple longtime and newer cast members have recently announced their departures, signaling a fresh new chapter for Studio 8H.

Notable Departures From the Cast

Four cast members have confirmed they will not return for Season 51: Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, and Emil Wakim. Gardner, who joined the show in 2017 and was the longest-serving female cast member during Season 50, leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable characters on sketches and Weekend Update. Her roles included the intrepid teen film critic Bailey Gismert and “Goop” employee Baskin Johns.

Devon Walker and Michael Longfellow, with three seasons under their belts, also announced their exits via social media. Walker described his time as “really cool” but also “toxic as hell” at times, while Longfellow expressed gratitude while acknowledging the tough decision he did not return for a fourth season. Emil Wakim, SNL’s first Lebanese-American cast member who joined only last year, received his release unexpectedly and called the experience “the most terrifying, thrilling, and rewarding” of his life.

Behind the Scenes: Lorne Michaels’ Plan for Change

SNL’s creator and head, Lorne Michaels, had previously teased a “shakeup” after the show’s 50th season, aiming to refresh the ensemble. Michaels expressed he wanted to avoid disruptions that might distract from the anniversary celebrations, but emphasized the need to reinvent and stay relevant as the series enters its sixth decade.

When asked about the changes, Michaels acknowledged the increased involvement of staffers and company leaders in cast decisions, although he retains final say. The only confirmed returning cast member so far is James Austin Johnson, known for his spot-on impersonation of President Donald Trump.

Uncertainty Around Other Cast Members

Many fan-favorite repertory players, including Mikey Day, Andrew Dismukes, Chloe Fineman, Marcello Hernández, Ego Nwodim, Sarah Sherman, Bowen Yang, Sarah Sherman, Kenan Thompson, Colin Jost, and Michael Che, have yet to confirm their participation in the upcoming season, leaving fans wondering about the show’s core structure.

Additionally, the comedy trio Please Don’t Destroy, known for viral digital sketches since Season 47, has also not announced their status.

Impact on Writing Staff and Creatives

The overhaul extends beyond on-screen talent. Writers Celeste Yim, a trailblazing nonbinary staffer, and Rosebud Baker, who joined the writing team in Season 47, have confirmed their departures. Their exits contribute to one of the more profound creative reshuffles in recent years.

Community and Fan Reactions

Departing cast and writers have received an outpouring of support from colleagues and fans alike. Notably, Bowen Yang and Hannah Einbinder have publicly voiced encouragement for the departing members. Fans expressed mixed emotions about the shakeup; while some mourn the loss of beloved performers, others see this as an opportunity for fresh talent and new creative directions.

Looking Ahead: Season 51 and the Future of SNL

As Saturday Night Live enters its 51st season amidst this major transition, anticipation builds around the introduction of new cast members and possibly new voices behind the scenes. Historically, SNL’s cast overhauls have been met with both skepticism and excitement, often marking the start of successful new eras.

The show’s October 4 premiere on NBC and Peacock will be closely watched by fans and critics to see how the reimagined cast shapes the beloved sketch comedy’s next chapter.

Summary

Ahead of its 51st season, Saturday Night Live faces a substantial cast and crew shakeup with the departure of key performers like Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, and Emil Wakim. Creator Lorne Michaels confirms a planned refresh to keep the show vibrant post-50th anniversary. As loyal fans await casting announcements, the stage is set for an exciting new era of comedy at Studio 8H.