Get ready for some big changes at Saturday Night Live! The iconic sketch comedy show is shaking things up for its upcoming 51st season.
Lorne Michaels, the show’s boss, had hinted that a cast overhaul was on the way. He waited until after the milestone 50th season wrapped. Michaels explained his reasoning to Puck on August 24. He mentioned a conversation with Dana Carvey, who played Joe Biden, during the first show’s after-party. Carvey brought up Michaels calling him on June 4 to play Biden. Michaels wanted original cast members like Kate McKinnon, Kristen Wiig, and Maya Rudolph to come back for the 50th season. This meant he couldn’t make many cast changes at the time, keeping the focus on the big anniversary. Plus, there was an election happening.
Michaels promised news about the cast would come soon. He also confirmed that James Austin Johnson would be back. The very next day, Devon Walker became the first cast member to announce his exit. He shared a behind-the-scenes photo on his social media, writing, "We’re done with my baby ❤️."
The 51st season of SNL is set to premiere on NBC on Saturday, October 4.
Let’s take a closer look at who’s returning and who’s leaving for SNL Season 51:
James Austin Johnson — Returning
James Austin Johnson TheStewartofNY/WireImage
Lorne Michaels confirmed to Puck on August 24 that Johnson would continue his impression of Donald Trump in Season 51. Johnson himself hasn’t said anything about his return.
Devon Walker — Leaving the Cast
Devon Walker Taylor Hill/FilmMagic
Walker shared his departure from SNL after three seasons on August 25 via Instagram. In his post, the comedian included a message to fans titled, "Wait… did he quit or get fired?"
"For me, jobs in this industry are like little marriages. Some last a long time if we’re lucky, but most are fleeting," Walker wrote. "Permanent until they’re not. That’s the deal. You know what it is when you sign up."
He continued, "The show and I did three years together, and sometimes it was really great. Sometimes it was toxic as hell. But… we made the most of what it was, even with all the dysfunction. We made a messed-up family."
Emil Wakim — Leaving the Cast
Emil Wakim Taylor Hill/FilmMagic
Following Walker’s surprise announcement, Wakim shared on August 27 that he wouldn’t be returning to the show after his first season.
"It was a hard hit to get that call, but I’m super grateful for my time there," Wakim reflected on Instagram. "I was at Six Flags celebrating my friend’s 36th birthday and took a very emotional ride through Bugs Bunny’s park and looked at Daffy Duck’s lake thinking about life."
Wakim also expressed his gratitude for the experience.
"Every time I walked into the building, I thought about how amazing it was that I got to work there. It was the scariest, most exciting, and most rewarding experience of my life, and I’m going to miss it so much, as well as all the brilliant people who work there and made it feel like home. Thanks to Lorne for taking a chance on me and changing my life," he continued. "I was very lucky to get to show some of myself there and say things I believed in, and I’m excited for what’s next. Here’s to making more art without compromising."
Michael Longfellow — Leaving the Cast
Michael Longfellow Taylor Hill/FilmMagic
Deadline reported on August 28 that Longfellow was leaving SNL after three seasons. Longfellow has not commented on his departure.
Heidi Gardner — Leaving the Cast
News broke on August 28 that Gardner would not be returning for Season 51 after eight years on the show. Gardner did not immediately comment on her departure.
Tommy Brennan — Joining
Brennan is one of five fresh faces joining the Season 51 cast, as NBC announced on September 2. This comedian hails from Minnesota and has previously performed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Jeremy Culhane — Joining
This California native was famous for his viral TikTok videos before his announcement on September 2 as a new cast member for the upcoming season.
Ben Marshall — Joining
Marshall joined the SNL writing staff in 2021. Now, he’s making his on-screen debut for Season 51.
Kam Patterson — Joining
Season 51 will be Patterson’s first on SNL. Before this, he was known for his stand-up comedy and starring in Netflix’s 72 Hours.
Veronika Slowikowska — Joining
Slowikowska is the fifth comedian joining the NBC series this fall. She’s known for her viral sketches on social media.