Major Cast Shakeup at SNL: A Look to the Past & Future Directions

The current exodus

The confirmed departures include:

• Heidi Gardner, an eight-season veteran known for characters like "Bailey Gismert" and "Angel, Every Boxer’s Girlfriend from Every Movie About Boxing Ever," has decided to move on to other projects
• Devon Walker, who announced his exit after three seasons, reflected on his time with the show as sometimes "really cool" and sometimes "toxic as hell"
• Michael Longfellow, also after three seasons, expressed gratitude for his time but acknowledged he would not be returning for a fourth year. This was surprising given that he was being tested for the Weekend Update chair
• Emil Wakim, a featured player for only one season, called the news of his departure a "gut punch"

Additionally, writer Celeste Yim, the show's first openly transgender writer, has also left after five seasons. These exits reduce the cast size and represent a loss of both experienced voices and newer talent.

Historical precedents

This level of cast overhaul is not unprecedented. SNL has a long history of cyclical renewals, often driven by creator Lorne Michaels' desire to refresh the show's energy.

• The 1995 overhaul: Perhaps the most disruptive shift occurred in 1995, when nine cast members, including Chris Farley, Adam Sandler, and Kevin Nealon, departed. This led to the introduction of future legends like Will Ferrell, Darrell Hammond, and Cheri Oteri. Despite initial turbulence, this era eventually stabilized and became one of the show's most beloved periods
• The 2006 contraction: Following the departures of Tina Fey and Rachel Dratch to work on 30 Rock, budget cuts led to the firing of Chris Parnell, Horatio Sanz, and Finesse Mitchell. The season 32 cast shrank to 11 members, the smallest in nearly a decade
• The 2022 reset: More recently, season 48 saw eight performers leave, including Kate McKinnon, Pete Davidson, and Aidy Bryant. This paved the way for the hiring of Marcello Hernández, Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, and Molly Kearney

These periods of change were often met with anxiety, but ultimately allowed the show to evolve and discover new comedic voices.

The 50th season: A celebration that delayed change

The show's recent 50th season was a landmark event, focused on nostalgia and celebration. Lorne Michaels had promised to "bring everyone back from all 50 years," creating a sense of continuity and reverence for the show's history. This atmosphere likely postponed necessary cast evaluations and decisions about the show's future direction.

The celebratory nature of the season may have temporarily slowed the typical cast turnover process. With the anniversary now past, Michaels is proceeding with the kind of shakeup that has historically followed periods of stability. In a recent interview, Michaels confirmed his intention to "shake things up," suggesting that these changes are part of a deliberate strategy to rejuvenate the show for its next chapter.

Speculation and rumors: Who might be joining?

While we don’t yet have specific names of any new hires, the historical pattern suggests that Lorne Michaels will likely recruit from established talent pools like The Groundlings, Upright Citizens Brigade, and popular comedians from the digital space. The previous season introduced three new featured players—Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, and Jane Wickline—so similar additions can be expected.

There is also speculation that the show might bring in more alumni for guest appearances or short-term roles, especially given that the political situation continues to provide rich material for satire. James Austin Johnson, who portrays Donald Trump, is confirmed to be returning, ensuring continuity in one of the show's key political impressions.

A new chapter for an iconic show

The current cast exodus at SNL is significant but firmly within the show's historical tradition of periodic reinvention. While the 50th season delayed these changes, they are a necessary part of the show's evolution. As SNL moves into its next era, it will undoubtedly continue to balance its legendary past with the need to discover and nurture the next generation of comedic talent. The show's ability to adapt over five decades is a testament to its enduring relevance, and this latest shakeup may well be the catalyst for another memorable chapter in its history.