The Great Shake-Up: Who Is Leaving SNL Ahead Of Season 51 And The Shocking Reasons Why

The landscape of late-night comedy is shifting dramatically. As of late 2025, the iconic cast of NBC's Saturday Night Live is undergoing one of its most significant overhauls in years, with multiple long-time and rising stars announcing their departures following the conclusion of Season 50. This seismic shift is setting the stage for a radically different Season 51, introducing new faces while bidding farewell to some of the show's most beloved and versatile performers.

This major cast shake-up, orchestrated by Executive Producer Lorne Michaels, comes at a pivotal moment, signaling a fresh creative direction. From veteran players citing "sketch fatigue" to newer cast members describing the environment as "toxic," the exits are as varied as the performers themselves, leaving fans and industry insiders buzzing about the future of the show.

The Departing SNL Cast Members: A Complete Exit Roster for Season 51

The following is a list of repertory and featured players who will not be returning to Saturday Night Live for Season 51 (2024-2025), along with their tenure and the known reasons for their departure.

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• Ego Nwodim: Repertory Player (7 Seasons, 2018–2025)
• Heidi Gardner: Repertory Player (8 Seasons, 2017–2025)
• Michael Longfellow: Repertory Player (3 Seasons, 2022–2025)
• Devon Walker: Repertory Player (3 Seasons, 2022–2025)
• Emil Wakim: Featured Player (1 Season, 2024–2025)

The changes extend beyond the on-screen talent, with several key writers also exiting the show, including Celeste Yim, Steven Castillo, and Ali Baker, further indicating a full-scale creative refresh for the upcoming season.

The Shocking Reasons Behind The Major SNL Exits

While cast departures are a natural part of SNL's cycle, the latest round of exits is particularly notable for the candid and varied reasons shared by the departing stars, ranging from voluntary career moves to pointed critiques of the show's demanding environment.

Heidi Gardner: The Weight of Eight Seasons and "Sketch Fatigue"

Heidi Gardner, a fan-favorite known for her hilarious characters like the "Every Boxer's Girlfriend" and the "Teenage Girl Who’s Just Visited a Non-Profit," concluded her impressive eight-season run.

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Her departure was widely reported as a major shake-up, and the comedian herself hinted at the intense pressure of the job as a key factor. Gardner cited a feeling of "sketch fatigue" and "idea fatigue" after years of relentless writing and performing, suggesting a need for new creative challenges outside the 30 Rockefeller Plaza bubble.

Though some reports suggested her contract was simply not renewed as part of a larger overhaul by Lorne Michaels, her tenure and influence on the show's recent history remain undeniable.

Ego Nwodim: A Voluntary Exit After Seven Years

Ego Nwodim, who joined in 2018 and quickly became one of the most reliable and versatile performers, is leaving after seven seasons. Known for her strong impressions, including Dionne Warwick and a memorable take on a Black woman in a sketch, her departure was voluntary.

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Nwodim's exit follows the typical pattern of successful SNL stars who leave to pursue film and television careers after establishing their brand. Her long tenure is a testament to her talent, and her decision to leave on her own terms suggests a bright future in Hollywood, likely following the path of recent alumni like Kate McKinnon and Aidy Bryant.

Devon Walker: The "Toxic" Truth of the SNL Grind

Perhaps the most surprising and controversial departure was that of Devon Walker, who left after three seasons. Walker, who was a featured player for one season before being promoted to repertory status, was not asked back for Season 51.

Unlike the amicable exits of many veterans, Walker was candid about his experience, confirming his departure and describing his time on the show as complicated. He posted a cryptic message that he and "baby broke up" (referring to SNL), and in subsequent interviews, he described the work environment as being "toxic as hell" at times.

Walker's comments shed a rare and unfiltered light on the intense, high-pressure, and sometimes emotionally taxing nature of working on the live sketch comedy series, suggesting that a "sprinkle of humanity" could be added to the process.

Michael Longfellow: A Quiet Farewell After Three Seasons

Michael Longfellow, who joined alongside Walker in Season 48, also confirmed his exit after three seasons. The comedian's departure was unexpected, as he had been promoted to a repertory player and was a solid presence on the show, often appearing on Weekend Update with his unique stand-up style.

Longfellow confirmed on social media that he would not be returning for a fourth season, simply stating, "Wish I was but, so it goes." His exit, along with Walker's, highlights Lorne Michaels' willingness to make significant cuts to the cast, even among those who had recently been promoted, in an effort to continually refresh the ensemble.

What This Means for SNL Season 51 and Beyond

The 2024-2025 season of Saturday Night Live is poised to be a major transitional year. The departure of key players like Heidi Gardner and Ego Nwodim removes two of the most reliable and seasoned performers, creating massive holes in the cast's ability to tackle celebrity impressions and carry major sketches.

However, the show’s legacy is built on its ability to evolve. The remaining core cast, including veterans like Kenan Thompson, Michael Che, Colin Jost, and Mikey Day, will provide necessary stability.

Furthermore, the introduction of five new featured players—Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska—signals a significant investment in new talent. These new faces, combined with the returning energy of current repertory players like Chloe Fineman, Marcello Hernández, James Austin Johnson, and Sarah Sherman, are expected to redefine the show's comedic voice, ensuring SNL remains a cultural powerhouse for years to come.

The challenge for Lorne Michaels and the remaining team is to quickly integrate the new talent and establish the next generation of breakout stars while maintaining the high-quality comedy expected from the late-night institution.