5 Brutal Details Michael Longfellow Revealed About His Shocking SNL Exit

The news of Michael Longfellow's departure from Saturday Night Live ahead of Season 51 has sent shockwaves through the comedy world, confirming a major cast shakeup that has been described as "brutal" by insiders. As of late 2025, the popular stand-up comedian, who had just been promoted to a repertory player for the show’s landmark 50th season, will not be returning to Studio 8H. His exit, which he publicly admitted was not his choice, has been framed not as a mutual parting but as a non-renewal, a decision that reportedly came with a harsh lack of "humanity" from the show's producers, details he later shared in a surprise stand-up set.

The suddenness of the announcement, which Longfellow confirmed himself via a candid social media post, has left fans and critics stunned. Despite being one of the more impressive and promising new additions in recent years, his three-season tenure on the iconic late-night sketch show has officially come to an end, opening the door for a new wave of talent for the upcoming season. This article breaks down the most shocking and brutal details surrounding his exit, his SNL legacy, and what his future holds.

Michael Longfellow: Full Biography and SNL Profile

Michael Longfellow is an American stand-up comedian and actor known for his sharp, observational humor and distinct stage presence. He quickly became a fan favorite on Saturday Night Live for his dry wit and memorable sketches.

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• Full Name: Michael Longfellow
• Date of Birth: January 31, 1994
• Age (as of late 2025): 31
• Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
• Profession: Stand-up Comedian, Actor
• Comedy Style: Observational, deadpan, self-deprecating
• Career Highlights Before SNL: Named one of TBS’s "Comics to Watch" at the New York Comedy Festival; performed on Netflix's Introducing... showcase; featured on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
• SNL Tenure: Three Seasons (Season 48, Season 49, Season 50)
• SNL Role Progression: Featured Player (Seasons 48-49); Repertory Player (Season 50)
• Date of SNL Exit Announcement: August 2025 (Confirmed via Instagram)

The Shocking Details of Longfellow's SNL Firing

While cast departures are a regular part of the SNL cycle, Longfellow's exit resonated differently due to his talent and the candid nature of his subsequent remarks. The news was first reported by major entertainment outlets, with Longfellow later confirming the non-renewal in a deeply honest Instagram post.

He wrote: “Will not be returning for a 4th season at 'SNL'. Wish I was but, so it goes. It was the best three years of my life so far.” The phrase "Wish I was but, so it goes" immediately signaled that the decision was made by the show's producers, not by him, setting the stage for the more "brutal" revelations that followed.

1. The "Lack of Humanity" in the Firing Process

The most striking revelation came during a surprise stand-up set at a Brooklyn comedy venue. Longfellow reportedly "blasted" the show's lack of "humanity" in how the cast changes were handled. This suggests the process of being informed that he would not be invited back for Season 51 was cold, impersonal, or sudden, a common complaint about the intense, high-pressure environment of the iconic show.

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The nature of the non-renewal—often referred to as a "firing" in the industry—is notoriously difficult, and Longfellow’s comments highlight the emotional toll it takes on performers who dedicate years of their lives to the show's grueling schedule. His public statement on the show's "humanity" is a rare and powerful peek behind the curtain of the Lorne Michaels-run institution.

2. The Failed Weekend Update Screen Test Rumor

One of the biggest rumors surrounding Longfellow's final year was his potential ascent to the coveted Weekend Update anchor desk. Reports surfaced that he had screen-tested for one of the seats, possibly as a long-term replacement for Colin Jost or Michael Che, alongside SNL writer KC Shornima. This rumor added a layer of shock to his eventual exit.

The fact that a comedian talented enough to be considered for one of the most prominent roles on the show—a position that often launches careers into superstardom—was still not invited back for the next season underscores the unpredictability and high-stakes nature of the SNL cast rotation. It suggests that even a promising audition for a major role does not guarantee job security.

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3. Part of a Major, Brutal Cast Shakeup

Longfellow's departure was not an isolated incident. He was part of a major, and what many are calling a "brutal," cast shakeup ahead of Season 51. The show also confirmed the exits of veteran repertory player Heidi Gardner, as well as fellow featured players Devon Walker and Emil Wakim. This mass exodus of four cast members (Longfellow, Gardner, Walker, and Wakim) signals a significant shift in the show's direction and a clear effort by Lorne Michaels to trim the cast size and bring in fresh faces.

The timing of these cuts, right after the highly-celebrated 50th anniversary season, is particularly surprising. For Longfellow, being cut alongside other promising newcomers like Walker and Wakim, despite his promotion to repertory status, reinforces the idea that the show's producers are looking for a very specific dynamic for the next chapter.

Longfellow's SNL Legacy and Stand-Out Moments

Despite his relatively short three-season run, Michael Longfellow carved out a distinct niche for himself. He was praised for his unique delivery—a kind of laid-back, yet intensely focused sarcasm—that translated perfectly into a number of memorable sketches. He quickly became known as the "Sultan of Snark" by some critics.

• Stand-Up Segments: His appearances on Weekend Update, where he delivered his signature stand-up routines, were often viral hits. His ability to deliver sharp, observational comedy directly to the camera made him a standout among his peers.
• "Coach Alan" Sketch: Longfellow was a key player in the "Coach Alan" sketches, a recurring bit that allowed him to play a straight man to the more manic energy of other cast members like Devon Walker and James Austin Johnson.
• Celebrity Impressions: While not a mimic in the traditional sense, his unique persona often led to memorable characterizations in ensemble sketches.

What's Next for Michael Longfellow?

For a stand-up comedian, leaving SNL—even by non-renewal—is rarely a career-ender; it is often a catalyst for new opportunities. The three-year tenure has given Longfellow a massive platform, national name recognition, and a reel of high-profile work to leverage.

His immediate future will likely focus on his first love: stand-up comedy. Longfellow is a road-tested comic, and his recent candid stand-up appearance is a clear signal that he is returning to the stage with new, post-SNL material. The attention surrounding his exit, particularly the details of the "brutal" firing, will only increase ticket sales for his upcoming tour dates.

Furthermore, the "SNL alum" title is a powerful credential in Hollywood. Longfellow can expect to field offers for sitcom roles, film parts, and potentially his own stand-up special or comedy series. The history of SNL is filled with performers who were cut after a few seasons only to go on to massive success, including stars like Robert Downey Jr. and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Michael Longfellow’s undeniable talent and the public interest in his story suggest his post-SNL career is just getting started.