The Ultimate Guide To The SNL Cast: New Faces, Shocking Departures, And Who Earns Millions In 2025

The landscape of Studio 8H has undergone its most dramatic shake-up in years, with a fresh wave of comedic talent joining the ranks for the new season of Saturday Night Live. As of December 2025, the iconic sketch show is navigating its latest evolution, blending seasoned veterans with a diverse group of newcomers who are already redefining the show's comedic direction. This article dives deep into the current ensemble, the surprising exits, and the jaw-dropping salary details that fuel one of television’s longest-running institutions.

The transition into Season 51 marks a pivotal moment, introducing five new featured players while bidding farewell to some fan favorites. This constant rotation of talent is the lifeblood of SNL, ensuring the show remains topical and its comedic voice stays sharp. From record-breaking veterans like Kenan Thompson to viral stand-up sensations, the current cast is a fascinating mix of experience and raw, new energy.

The Complete SNL Cast Roster: Season 51 (2025)

The current ensemble for Saturday Night Live Season 51 features a strong core of repertory players, supported by a cohort of fresh featured players who are eager to make their mark. The cast is divided into two tiers: Repertory Players (full-time members) and Featured Players (new members on a one-year contract).

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Repertory Players (The Veterans)

These comedians form the backbone of the show, known for their established characters and reliable performances. Kenan Thompson continues his record-breaking tenure, while Colin Jost and Michael Che anchor the "Weekend Update" desk.

• Kenan Thompson: The longest-tenured cast member in SNL history, returning for his 23rd season.
• Colin Jost: Co-anchor of "Weekend Update" and a head writer.
• Michael Che: Co-anchor of "Weekend Update" and a head writer.
• Mikey Day: Known for his impressions and versatile character work.
• Chloe Fineman: A master of impressions, including Elizabeth Holmes and Timothée Chalamet.
• Heidi Gardner: *Correction/Update: While initially listed as returning for Season 50, later reports confirmed her departure before Season 51.
• Andrew Dismukes: Promoted to repertory player status in recent years.
• Marcello Hernandez: A standout from the previous new class, known for his energy and bilingual sketches.
• James Austin Johnson: Widely praised for his spot-on Donald Trump impression.
• Ego Nwodim: A strong presence in both political and character sketches.
• Sarah Sherman: Known for her distinct, often surreal, and abrasive comedic style.
• Bowen Yang: A fan favorite and Emmy-nominated performer, known for his unique perspective and characters.

Featured Players (The New Class of Season 51)

The new additions for Season 51 bring a diverse range of comedic backgrounds, from stand-up to viral online content. Their presence is crucial for injecting new voices and topical humor into the show.

• Tommy Brennan: A comedian recognized for his work on the stand-up circuit.
• Jeremy Culhane: An improv and sketch performer with a rising profile.
• Ben Marshall: Known for his work in the New York comedy scene and viral videos.
• Kam Patterson: A stand-up comedian who gained significant attention through the popular podcast "Kill Tony."
• Veronika Slowikowska: A comedian and writer who was featured on Vulture's "Comedians You Should and Will Know" list.

Shocking Departures and Significant Cast Changes

The transition between SNL seasons is always marked by cast exits, often signaling a performer's readiness to pursue major film or television roles. The departures ahead of Season 51 were particularly notable, creating significant gaps in the ensemble that the new featured players will be tasked with filling.

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The most significant exits before the current season included two highly-regarded performers: Heidi Gardner and Michael Longfellow. Heidi Gardner, who joined in 2017, was a versatile performer known for her memorable characters like the "Every Boxer's Girlfriend" and her work on "Weekend Update." Her departure was a surprise to many fans who saw her as a pillar of the recent cast.

Michael Longfellow, a featured player who quickly rose to prominence, also exited the show. His sharp wit and observational humor were a fresh addition, and his departure after a short tenure suggests he may have already secured other high-profile opportunities. The constant flux of the cast—the "revolving door" of Studio 8H—is a testament to SNL's role as a launchpad for comedic superstars.

The Surprising SNL Salary Structure: From $3,000 to Millions

One of the most common questions about the SNL cast is how much they actually get paid. The answer is a stark illustration of the comedy world's brutal hierarchy, with salaries varying wildly from a modest starting wage to a multi-million dollar annual income for the elite veterans. The pay structure is tiered, based on a cast member's tenure on the show.

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The Tiered Salary Breakdown (Per Episode)

• First-Year Cast Members (Featured Players): The starting salary is a surprisingly low $3,000 per episode. Considering a typical 21-episode season, this amounts to approximately $63,000 per year. For a major network show, this is a relatively modest wage, especially in New York City.
• Second-Year Cast Members: The pay sees a significant bump to around $4,000 per episode.
• Fifth-Year Cast Members: By their fifth season, a repertory player can expect to earn about $15,000 per episode, totaling $315,000 for a 21-episode season.
• Top-Tier Veterans: The highest standard salary for long-running, major cast members is reportedly up to $25,000 per episode, or approximately $525,000 annually.

The Kenan Thompson Anomaly

The one exception to the standard pay structure is the show's longest-running star, Kenan Thompson. Due to his unprecedented tenure and value to the show, Thompson's salary is rumored to be in a league of its own, allegedly earning between $2 and $3 million per year. This massive figure highlights his unique status and the show's willingness to invest heavily to retain its most vital talent.

Topical Authority: The Legacy of SNL Alumni

The true measure of SNL's impact is its incredible roster of alumni, who have gone on to shape modern comedy and cinema. The show is not just a job; it is a comedy college, a grueling boot camp that prepares its graduates for superstardom. Establishing topical authority requires recognizing the legends who paved the way.

The list of successful SNL alumni is extensive, but a few names consistently top the list of the most influential and successful:

• Will Ferrell: A comedic powerhouse known for films like Anchorman and Elf.
• Tina Fey: Creator of 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and a former head writer and "Weekend Update" anchor.
• Bill Murray: An original cast member who became a cinematic icon.
• Adam Sandler: Known for his unique comedic style and successful film career.
• Amy Poehler: Star of Parks and Recreation and a beloved "Weekend Update" anchor.
• Mike Myers: Creator of the Austin Powers and Shrek franchises.
• Eddie Murphy: The breakout star who single-handedly saved the show in the early 1980s.
• Kate McKinnon: One of the most acclaimed performers of the modern era, known for her incredible versatility.
• Chris Rock: A stand-up legend who launched his career from the SNL stage.

The current cast members, including Bowen Yang, Chloe Fineman, and Marcello Hernandez, are all vying to be the next generation of these comedy legends. Their success, and the success of the five new featured players, will be the true measure of SNL's enduring relevance in the modern media landscape.