The SNL Season 51 Cast Exodus: Who's Out, Who's In, And The Shocking New Lineup

The iconic Saturday Night Live stage at 30 Rockefeller Plaza has once again undergone a dramatic transformation, and as of December 2025, the dust has finally settled on one of the most significant cast shakeups in recent memory. Following the landmark 50th season, executive producer Lorne Michaels delivered on his promise for a major overhaul, introducing a wave of fresh talent while bidding farewell to several beloved repertory players. This massive transition has set the tone for a completely new era of sketch comedy, with the Season 51 cast roster looking notably different than last year’s ensemble. The changes affect both the veterans and the newer Featured Players, ensuring that the show feels as fresh and unpredictable as ever.

The Season 51 premiere, which aired on October 4, 2025, on NBC and Peacock, confirmed the rumors of a seismic shift, with a total of five new faces joining the cast and multiple established stars choosing to move on to new projects. The annual turnover is a hallmark of the show, but this particular exodus, which includes a seven-season veteran and several promising newcomers, has generated substantial buzz among fans and critics alike. This article breaks down every confirmed change, from the surprising exits to the exciting new additions ready to make their mark on late-night television.

The Shocking Departures: A Season 50 Exodus

The end of a season always brings speculation, but the list of cast members who did not return for SNL Season 51 was particularly impactful. The departures span from long-time veterans who had reached their natural conclusion to newer players who were unexpectedly let go. The show is known for its high-pressure environment, and the decisions made by both the performers and the producers have reshaped the dynamic of the entire ensemble.

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Veteran & Repertory Player Exits

• Ego Nwodim: After seven successful seasons, Ego Nwodim announced her decision to leave the show. A fan-favorite known for her hilarious characters and strong impressions, her absence leaves a major void in the repertory lineup. Her exit follows the traditional seven-to-nine-season arc for many successful SNL stars.
• Heidi Gardner: Another significant loss was the departure of Heidi Gardner. Known for her unique characters like "Angel," the 'Every Boxer's Girlfriend,' and her standout work on "Weekend Update," Gardner’s exit was a quiet but impactful one, marking the end of a solid run.
• Michael Longfellow: Though only on the show for a couple of seasons, Michael Longfellow’s dry, observational stand-up style quickly made him a memorable presence. His departure was also confirmed in the lead-up to the Season 51 premiere.

The Featured Players Who Didn't Return

The most surprising cuts often come from the Featured Player ranks—the probationary period where new cast members are tested. For Season 51, two newcomers from the previous season were not asked to return, a tough reality of the SNL machine.

• Emil Wakim: Hired just last year for Season 50, Emil Wakim, SNL’s first Lebanese American cast member, was let go after only one season. He described the decision as a "gut punch," highlighting the intense competition and high stakes for new talent.
• Devon Walker: Another talented Featured Player, Devon Walker, was also not asked back for Season 51. This double cut of new talent suggests Lorne Michaels was serious about clearing the deck to make room for his new, hand-picked recruits.

The Five New Featured Players for Season 51

With a handful of slots open, the focus immediately shifted to the new blood joining the cast. Lorne Michaels and his team have introduced a diverse and exciting group of five comedians, all joining as Featured Players. This large incoming class signals a significant investment in the show's future and a fresh comedic direction.

The new cast members are primarily stand-up comedians and sketch performers from major comedy hubs, ready to bring their unique voices to the show. Their integration into the ensemble will define the comedic tone of the next few years.

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Meet the New SNL Class of 2025

The new faces filling the void left by the Season 50 departures are:

1. Tommy Brennan: Known for his work in the New York stand-up scene, Brennan is expected to bring a sharp, observational style to the show.
2. Jeremy Culhane: A comedian with a strong background in sketch and improv, Culhane’s hiring suggests a renewed focus on character-driven pieces.
3. Ben Marshall: Marshall is part of the popular comedy group "Please Don't Destroy," whose members have already contributed viral digital shorts to the show. His promotion to the main cast is a major boost for the digital team.
4. Kam Patterson: Hailing from Florida, Patterson is a rising star in stand-up known for his laid-back delivery and unique perspective.
5. Veronika Slowikowska: A fresh voice from the improv world, Slowikowska rounds out the new class, adding another strong female presence to the ensemble.

This class of five is one of the largest groups of new Featured Players in recent history, indicating a genuine desire to inject new energy into the long-running sketch series.

The Returning Veterans and The Future of Weekend Update

Despite the significant shakeups, the core foundation of Saturday Night Live remains strong. A large group of seasoned repertory players are back for Season 51, providing the necessary stability and star power to anchor the show. The return of these established players ensures that fan-favorite characters and segments will continue.

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Key returning cast members include:

• Mikey Day
• Andrew Dismukes
• Chloe Fineman
• Marcello Hernandez
• James Austin Johnson
• Punkie Johnson
• Sarah Sherman
• Kenan Thompson (the show's longest-serving cast member)
• Bowen Yang

The Status of Weekend Update's Co-Anchors

One of the biggest questions leading into Season 51 revolved around the future of the "Weekend Update" desk, specifically the status of co-anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che. Both comedians have been with the show for over a decade, and rumors of their exit surface yearly.

Colin Jost: Despite speculation, Colin Jost has returned for Season 51, ensuring continuity at the "Update" desk. His continued presence is a relief for fans of his deadpan delivery and chemistry with Che.

Michael Che: While there was significant buzz about Michael Che potentially stepping away, he also returned to his co-anchor role. Che had made comments about his future during stand-up sets, fueling the rumors, but his decision to stay guarantees that the fan-favorite segment remains intact for the time being. Their combined longevity makes them one of the most successful and influential "Weekend Update" duos in the show's history.

The Season 51 cast shakeups are a clear signal from Lorne Michaels that SNL is not resting on its laurels. By balancing the loss of seven-season veterans and promising mid-level players with an influx of five fresh, hungry comedians, the show is actively reinventing itself. The new lineup promises a dynamic season, with the returning stars providing the necessary gravitas and the new Featured Players bringing unpredictable, cutting-edge comedy to the legendary stage. Fans can expect a season full of new characters, viral digital shorts, and a renewed energy that only a major cast overhaul can deliver.