The SNL Season 51 Shakeup: 5 New Cast Members, Major Departures, And The Star-Studded Lineup You Can’t Miss

Saturday Night Live (SNL) is back with a vengeance for its 51st season, and as of this current date in late 2025, the show is undergoing one of its most exciting and consequential cast shakeups in recent memory. After a highly-rated Season 50 that proved the show's enduring relevance, the late-night comedy institution is injecting fresh blood into the ensemble while saying goodbye to several fan favorites, setting the stage for a completely new dynamic at Studio 8H.

The premiere of SNL Season 51 on October 4, 2025, marked a new era, with creator Lorne Michaels continuing to steer the ship into its sixth decade. Fans are buzzing about the five new featured players who have joined the cast, bringing a wealth of viral comedy experience and fresh perspectives that promise to revitalize the show's stable of characters and celebrity impressions.

Meet the Five New Faces of SNL Season 51

The biggest news heading into the current season was the announcement of five new featured players, a significant infusion of talent designed to fill the void left by recent departures. These comedians, many of whom have built substantial online followings, are now tasked with earning their stripes alongside veterans like Kenan Thompson, Mikey Day, and Bowen Yang. Their addition is a clear signal that SNL is actively recruiting from the next generation of stand-up and sketch comedy stars.

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• Tommy Brennan: Known for his sharp wit and stand-up background, Brennan was honored as a "New Face" at the prestigious Just for Laughs festival in 2023.
• Jeremy Culhane: A comedian and writer whose work has been widely praised in the Los Angeles comedy scene, Culhane is expected to bring a unique, character-driven style to the show.
• Ben Marshall: Joining the cast with an established reputation, Marshall is one of the comedians who will be watched closely for breakout performances.
• Kam Patterson: Patterson is one of the new hires who has garnered significant attention, partially due to his viral presence and distinctive comedic voice.
• Veronika Slowikowska: A talented performer whose hiring underscores SNL's commitment to finding diverse and dynamic comedic voices, Slowikowska is another featured player with a strong online following.

These five new cast members are the future of the show, and their integration into the existing ensemble is key to the success of Season 51. The early episodes have already seen them debuting new sketches and impressions, proving that the show's talent scouting remains unparalleled. The pressure is immense, but the opportunity to become a household name overnight is the ultimate prize for any comedian.

Major Cast Departures and the SNL Roster Dynamic

A new season of Saturday Night Live inevitably means saying goodbye to beloved cast members who move on to new projects. Season 51 saw a notable number of departures, which is a common occurrence as performers seek new opportunities in film, television, and stand-up. These departures, while bittersweet for fans, are what create the space for the new featured players to shine and for the show to evolve.

The key performers who did not return for SNL Season 51 include:

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• Heidi Gardner: A main cast member known for her eccentric characters like "Angel" (Every Boxer's Girlfriend) and "Teenage Girl" (Baskin-Robbins employee), her absence leaves a significant void in the repertory.
• Devon Walker: A featured player whose time on the show was marked by his dry delivery and political commentary.
• Emil Wakim: Another featured player who brought a unique perspective to the cast.
• Michael Longfellow: Known for his Weekend Update segments and stand-up style, his departure was also a surprise to many fans.

The cast dynamic is now heavily reliant on the returning veterans. Stars like Kenan Thompson, who holds the record for the longest-tenured cast member, Chloe Fineman, Marcello Hernandez, and Bowen Yang are now the anchors, tasked with mentoring the newcomers and carrying the bulk of the impression and character work. This blend of seasoned veterans and hungry new talent is often when SNL produces its most memorable seasons.

Star-Studded Hosts and Musical Guests for the Current Run

One of the most anticipated aspects of any SNL season is the lineup of hosts and musical guests, and Season 51 is closing out its 2025 run with a spectacular, high-wattage roster. The choice of hosts often dictates the tone of the week's political and pop-culture commentary, and this season has secured some of the biggest names in entertainment.

The final episodes of 2025 featured a mix of comedy legends and rising stars, proving the show's ability to draw A-list talent from across the industry:

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December 2025 Host and Musical Guest Lineup

• December 6, 2025: The episode was hosted by the brilliant comedic actress Melissa McCarthy, a five-time host who always brings her signature chaotic energy to the sketches. The musical guest was the critically acclaimed artist Dijon.
• December 13, 2025: Rising star Josh O'Connor, known for his dramatic roles, took on the hosting duties, often a sign of a more surreal or character-driven episode. He was joined by musical guest Lily Allen.
• December 20, 2025: Closing out the year was global superstar Ariana Grande, who has previously served as both host and musical guest. Her return promises a high-energy finale. The musical guest for this episode was also Ariana Grande, making it a highly anticipated double-duty performance.
• Other Notable Appearances: Legendary singer Cher was also revealed as one of the final hosts and musical guests for the 2025 run, adding another iconic name to the list.

This diverse selection of hosts—from seasoned comedians like McCarthy to dramatic actors like O'Connor and pop icons like Grande and Cher—ensures that SNL maintains its broad appeal across different demographics. The hosts are not just there to read cue cards; they are integral to the week's comedy, often providing the central energy for the most memorable sketches.

The Enduring Relevance of Saturday Night Live

Despite being on air for over half a century, Saturday Night Live continues to make headlines and influence the cultural conversation. Season 50, which concluded in mid-2025, was reported to be the most-watched season in three years, a testament to the show's ability to adapt and stay relevant in a fragmented media landscape.

The show's strength lies in its immediate response to current events, whether political or pop-cultural. The new featured players are expected to bring a fresh slate of impressions and characters that can tackle the latest news cycles. The show's influence extends far beyond the live broadcast on NBC; clips and sketches go viral instantly on platforms like Peacock, YouTube, and TikTok, ensuring that SNL remains a cultural touchstone for younger audiences. The constant turnover in the cast, while sometimes jarring, is precisely what keeps the show's comedic engine running, allowing it to reflect the ever-changing face of American comedy.

With the new cast members finding their footing, the veteran players delivering consistently strong performances, and a lineup of world-class hosts, SNL Season 51 is shaping up to be a pivotal year. Fans can expect a renewed focus on character-based comedy, sharp political satire, and the unpredictable, electric energy that only a live broadcast can deliver.