Saturday Night Live Announces Multiple Cast Departures, New Additions for Season 51

Saturday Night Live is undergoing significant cast changes ahead of its 51st season, with several longtime members departing and new talent joining the show. Notable exits include Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, Michael Longfellow, Heidi Gardner after eight seasons, and Ego Nwodim, who announced her decision to leave after seven seasons, expressing gratitude to the show's creator and colleagues. Despite these departures, key veterans such as Kenan Thompson, set to return for a record-breaking 23rd season, and Weekend Update anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che remain with the show. New cast members for season 51 include Ben Marshall, Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska. The changes follow a deliberate shakeup by showrunner Lorne Michaels, who aimed to refresh the cast post the milestone 50th season while retaining core performers. Season 51 of SNL is scheduled to premiere on NBC on October 4, 2025.