Who's Leaving 'Saturday Night Live'? Season 51 Final Cast Revealed

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The 51st Season of Saturday Night Live: A New Era Begins

The 50th season of Saturday Night Live was a massive success, both in terms of ratings and critical acclaim. The show took home 11 Emmy Awards, cementing its status as one of the most celebrated programs in television history. Now, attention is turning to the upcoming 51st season, which promises new talent, fresh energy, and some familiar faces returning to the iconic stage.

Newcomers to the Cast

For the 51st season, five new featured players have been added to the ensemble, bringing the total cast size to 17. These newcomers are:

• Tommy Brennan: Selected as a Just for Laughs New Face of Comedy in 2023, Brennan has performed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
• Jeremy Culhane: Known for his viral online videos, Culhane is a regular on Dropout TV and performs with Upright Citizens Brigade.
• Ben Marshall: Joined the writing staff in 2021 and has appeared on-camera as part of the comedy trio Please Don’t Destroy.
• Kam Patterson: A stand-up comedian and regular on the live-comedy podcast Kill Tony, he will also appear in Netflix’s 72 Hours.
• Veronika Slowikowska: Gained recognition through her viral sketch comedy content on Instagram and TikTok, and has appeared in Tires and What We Do in the Shadows.

These additions bring a fresh perspective to the show and signal an exciting new chapter for SNL.

Returning Stars

The 51st season will also see 12 returning stars, including long-time favorites such as:

• Michael Che
• Mikey Day
• Andrew Dismukes
• Chloe Fineman
• Marcello Hernandez
• James Austin Johnson
• Colin Jost
• Sarah Sherman
• Kenan Thompson
• Bowen Yang
• Ashley Padilla
• Jane Wickline

With these names staying on board, the show continues to maintain its signature blend of humor, satire, and cultural commentary.

Departures and Changes

Five established stars have decided to leave the show after the 50th season, marking a significant shift in the cast composition. These departures include:

• Ego Nwodim: After seven seasons, Nwodim shared that she felt it was time to move on. She reflected on her time on the show, expressing gratitude for the experiences and relationships she formed.
• Heidi Gardner: Known for her long tenure on the show, Gardner left after eight years. Her departure came with some controversy, as reports suggested she may have been fired, though she maintained a positive outlook.
• Michael Longfellow: After three years, Longfellow chose to step away from the show, citing personal reasons and a desire to focus on other projects.
• Emil Wakim: As the first Lebanese-American cast member, Wakim shared his feelings about leaving the show, describing it as a “gut-punch” but also a meaningful experience.
• Devon Walker: Walker announced he would not return for a fourth year, stating that it was time for a change and a new direction in his career.

With these exits, the number of women on the cast has dropped to five, highlighting ongoing discussions about diversity and representation within the show.

Lorne Michaels’ Perspective

Lorne Michaels, the creator and showrunner of Saturday Night Live, has spoken about the changes in the cast. He mentioned that there were no major shakeups during the 50th season, as he wanted to keep the focus on the existing team. However, he also acknowledged the pressure to innovate and evolve as the show enters its sixth decade. Despite rumors about his potential retirement, Michaels remains committed to the show, stating, “I may be wrong, but I don’t feel I’m done.”

Premiere Date and Guest Hosts

The 51st season of Saturday Night Live will premiere live on October 4 at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT. The show airs Saturdays on NBC and is available to stream on Peacock the following day.

As the season approaches, speculation about potential guest hosts is already building. Some of the top names being considered include Kathy Bates, Josh Brolin, Stephen Colbert, Oscar Isaac, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Michael B. Jordan, Lindsay Lohan, Jennifer Lopez, Pedro Pascal, Glen Powell, Taylor Swift, and Jeremy Allen White.

The 'Weekend Update' Desk

The duo of Colin Jost and Michael Che has become the longest-serving team in the history of Weekend Update. Their partnership spans over 11 years, and they have continued to deliver sharp, timely commentary on current events.

Emmy Legacy

The 2025 Emmys marked a historic moment for Saturday Night Live, as the show broke its own record by winning 112 awards. This achievement solidifies its place as the most awarded program in television history. The show received 31 nominations across various categories, showcasing its continued relevance and impact on the entertainment industry.

With the 51st season on the horizon, Saturday Night Live is poised to continue its legacy of innovation, humor, and cultural influence. Fans can look forward to a mix of new voices and returning favorites as the show prepares to celebrate another year of groundbreaking comedy.