The Biggest SNL Cast Shakeup In Years: 5 New Stars And 4 Shocking Exits For Season 51

The iconic revolving door of Studio 8H has spun once again, and this time, it’s a major overhaul. As of December 10, 2025, Saturday Night Live is gearing up for its landmark 51st season with one of the most significant cast shakeups in recent memory, blending seasoned veterans with a fresh wave of comedic talent. The show, which is set to premiere on October 4th at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC and stream the next day on Peacock, has officially announced five new featured players and four confirmed departures, signaling a dramatic shift in the comedic landscape of the long-running sketch series.

This massive cast turnover comes on the heels of the show's 50th anniversary, a milestone that often prompts veteran cast members to consider their next career moves. While several mainstays are returning, the injection of new blood and the surprising exits of some fan favorites ensure that SNL Season 51 will feel distinctively different, promising a revitalized energy and new comedic voices.

The New Faces of Studio 8H: Meet the Season 51 Additions

Executive Producer Lorne Michaels has injected a burst of fresh talent into the cast, with five new featured players joining the ensemble for Season 51. This large intake of new performers is a clear sign that the show is looking to redefine its identity and introduce new dynamics to the weekly sketches.

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The new featured players are:

• Tommy Brennan: A comedian known for his stand-up and sketch work, Brennan brings a distinct voice to the new season.
• Jeremy Culhane: Culhane is another highly anticipated addition, moving from the stand-up and improv circuit directly to the national stage.
• Ben Marshall: While not entirely new to the SNL ecosystem, Marshall has been officially promoted to a featured cast member. He is a member of the popular sketch group Please Don't Destroy, which has been a staple of the show's pre-taped segments.
• Kam Patterson: Hailing from the stand-up world, Patterson’s inclusion is expected to bring a raw, observational comedic style to the show.
• Veronika Slowikowska: Slowikowska rounds out the new cast members, known for her unique comedic performances and viral online content.

The elevation of Ben Marshall follows a similar path to past writers and performers who have transitioned into full-time cast roles, suggesting that the Please Don't Destroy crew—which also includes Martin Herlihy and John Higgins—will continue to be a vital part of the show's digital shorts. This group’s success demonstrates SNL’s continued effort to bridge the gap between traditional sketch comedy and modern, internet-driven humor.

Saying Goodbye: The Confirmed Cast Departures

The biggest headlines leading into Season 51 were the confirmed exits of several featured and repertory players. The nature of SNL is constant change, but these departures mark the end of significant runs for some performers who had just begun to hit their stride.

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The confirmed cast members who have officially departed before the start of Season 51 include:

• Devon Walker: After two seasons as a featured player, Walker announced his departure on August 25th, indicating he was not asked back for the new season.
• Michael Longfellow: Longfellow, a promising featured player, also confirmed his exit, concluding his tenure on the show.
• Emil Wakim: Wakim, another featured player, joined the list of confirmed departures, opening up a spot for the new talent.
• Chloe Troast: Troast departed after only one season as a featured player, a surprising and relatively quick exit for the comedian.

The simultaneous exit of four featured players is a significant shakeup, representing a large portion of the newer talent pool. This move suggests a strategic clean slate by Lorne Michaels and the NBC team, aiming to recalibrate the ensemble’s chemistry and focus the spotlight on the remaining core cast while integrating the five new additions.

Veterans Returning and The Future of the Show

While the featured player ranks saw a major reshuffle, the backbone of the show—the repertory players and the Weekend Update anchors—remain firmly in place. This stability is crucial for maintaining the show's identity and providing a familiar foundation for the new cast to build upon.

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The confirmed returning repertory cast members for Season 51 include:

• Kenan Thompson: The longest-running cast member in SNL history is back, continuing his unprecedented tenure. His return squashes persistent rumors about his potential exit after the 50th season.
• Michael Che and Colin Jost: The duo will return to the Weekend Update desk, continuing their run as the longest-serving anchor team. Rumors about their potential departure have circulated, but for now, the desk remains theirs.
• Mikey Day
• Andrew Dismukes
• Chloe Fineman
• Marcello Hernández
• James Austin Johnson
• Ego Nwodim
• Sarah Sherman
• Bowen Yang

The decision by these seasoned performers to return provides a wealth of experienced talent. Kenan Thompson’s presence, in particular, offers a vital link to SNL’s past and a comedic anchor for the younger cast members. The returning ensemble ensures that popular recurring sketches and impressions will continue to be a part of the show's weekly offerings.

The Impact of the Shakeup on Sketch Dynamics

The combination of a large number of exits and an equally large number of new hires suggests that the show is actively seeking a change in its sketch dynamics. With four talented performers leaving, the five new cast members will have immediate and significant opportunities to define their roles. The show may shift its comedic focus to better utilize the specific talents of the new additions, such as Kam Patterson’s stand-up background or Veronika Slowikowska’s unique character work. This is a common strategy employed by Lorne Michaels to keep the show fresh and relevant.

Furthermore, the returning cast, including powerhouse performers like Bowen Yang, Chloe Fineman, and Sarah Sherman, are now the established veterans who will be expected to carry the bulk of the repertory duties and mentor the incoming class. Their continued presence guarantees a high level of performance and comedic consistency, even as the lower ranks of the cast are rebuilt.

The Season 51 premiere, hosted by Bad Bunny with musical guest Doja Cat, will be the first opportunity for fans to see this new ensemble in action. The hosts and musical guests for the early part of the season, which also include Amy Poehler, suggest a strong start designed to highlight the new cast members in high-profile sketches.

Ultimately, the SNL Season 51 cast shakeup is a bold move that prioritizes renewal and fresh perspectives. By retaining its all-star veterans while completely overhauling its featured player roster, Saturday Night Live is signaling its intent to stay a dominant force in sketch comedy for years to come. The blend of established stars and hungry newcomers sets the stage for a season filled with unpredictable and exciting comedy.