Ego Nwodim Exits Saturday Night Live After Seven Seasons

Ego Nwodim has announced her departure from Saturday Night Live after seven seasons, marking one of several cast changes ahead of the show's 51st season premiere. She expressed gratitude to Lorne Michaels, the cast, writers, and crew for their support and shared that her time on the show taught her invaluable lessons. Nwodim joined SNL as a featured player in 2018 and was promoted to the main cast in 2020, becoming known for memorable roles like "Lisa from Temecula" and a viral unscripted moment during Weekend Update. Alongside Nwodim, cast members Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, and Emil Wakim are also leaving, as Michaels aims to "shake things up" with the addition of five new comedians. The returning cast is expected to include Weekend Update anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che. Season 51 of SNL will premiere on October 4, 2025.