The winds of change are sweeping through Saturday Night Live, leading to a bittersweet farewell for several comedians as Season 51 kicks off. Last month brought an unexpected wave of departures that left many fans feeling both shocked and frustrated. Among those who exited were rising talents such as Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, and Emil Wakim, as well as longtime cast member Heidi Gardner, who enjoyed eight successful seasons on the show. The departures didn't stop there, as fellow fan favorite Ego Nwodim also left the ensemble. To fill the gaps, SNL has welcomed five new cast members, adding fresh energy to the show.
On October 3, Saturday Night Live made its grand return for its 51st season. This premiere featured newcomers alongside established faces, with Bad Bunny as the host and Doja Cat taking the stage as the musical guest. However, not everyone who had been a staple of the show was present; to bid farewell to some of the beloved comedians who would not be reprising their roles, Punkie Johnson, who left after Season 49, hosted a heartfelt farewell party.
The farewell event took place at the Riff Raff Club in the bustling Times Square and was attended by the Season 50 alumni: Heidi, Devon, Michael, Emil, and John Higgins from Please Don't Destroy, along with previous cast members Chloe Troast and Molly Kearney, who exited in the prior season.
Chloe shared her experiences regarding life after SNL during a conversation with People, expressing that the transition has been challenging. "It’s been really hard to adjust to life post-SNL," she stated. Chloe elaborated, saying, "When you fall, there’s no cushion... Being surrounded by supportive family and friends has been essential. They were my guiding light even before the show, and I continue to count on them now. Honestly, without that support, I can’t imagine where I would be one year later."
As Season 51 unfolds, familiar faces such as Weekend Update hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che are back, alongside returning cast members Andrew Dismukes, Marcello Hernandez, James Austin Johnson, Sarah Sherman, Ashley Padilla, and Jane Wickline. The new additions to the ensemble include Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, Veronika Slowikowska, and Ben Marshall, who has transitioned from writer for the now-defunct Please Don't Destroy to a full-fledged cast member.
In their own gracious farewells on social media, Devon, Michael, and Emil shared their thoughts about leaving the show. Devon posted a heartfelt Instagram message, humorously captioned "me and baby broke up," where he remarked, "My time with the show spanned three years—it was a mix of incredible moments and some pretty toxic ones. Nonetheless, we made it work, forming our own dysfunctional little family along the way."
Michael also took to Instagram, sharing his sentiments: "I will not be coming back for a fourth season at SNL. I wish I were, but such is life. Those three years were the best of my life. I’m filled with gratitude for the experience and everyone involved. Lorne, you offered me the best job imaginable and truly changed my life. You even put my mother on television. The words 'thank you' merely scratch the surface, but I sincerely mean it. I will deeply miss all of it, particularly the friends I made and seeing them every day."
In a similar vein, Emil shared his experience with poignant honesty: "I won’t be returning to SNL next year. Receiving that call was a real gut punch for me, especially since I celebrated my friend's birthday when it came in. Every day as I entered the building, I marveled at how surreal it was to work at such an iconic place. It has been a terrifying, exhilarating, and immensely rewarding chapter of my life that I will miss dearly, along with all the bright individuals who made it feel like home. Thank you, Lorne, for taking a chance on me and transforming my life. I was fortunate to express my beliefs and creativity there, and I look forward to exploring whatever comes next. Here’s to creating more art with integrity!"
Do you think it's fair that these talented performers have been let go? Are you excited about the new faces joining the SNL legacy? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Here’s where it gets especially interesting: How do you think these changes will affect the show's dynamic? Let's dive into the discussion!
