Home / Autoparking

Cast Leaving Snl

Kenneth Wunsch

SNL Cast Changes - Saying Goodbye to Familiar Faces

The air was thick with a sense of change as Saturday Night Live wrapped up its milestone 50th season, leaving many folks wondering about the future of some familiar faces. It was, you know, a big moment for the show, and there was quite a bit of chatter about who might be moving on. Scarlett Johansson, a guest that night, even made a little joke that seemed to hint at someone packing their bags, which really got people talking.

This past season, a truly big one for the show, brought with it a lot of laughs and some special moments, but it also marked a time when some long-standing members of the comedy group might be saying their goodbyes. The ensemble, which is pretty big right now with seventeen people, has a number of comedians who have been around for a good while, some even for six or seven years. We're talking about people like Colin Jost, Michael Che, Mikey Day, Heidi Gardner, Ego Nwodim, and of course, Kenan Thompson, who has been there for an incredibly long run.

So, while the show brought in some new talent, adding three new featured players before the big 50th season even began, there was also the sad news of others heading out. One actor, in particular, was confirmed to be leaving just before the season kicked off. It's a natural part of a show that has been on the air for such a long time, but it still makes you think about all the changes over the years.

Table of Contents

The Shifting Faces of SNL

Saturday Night Live, a show that has been making people laugh since 1975, has always had a way of bringing in fresh talent and, just as often, seeing beloved performers move on to other things. This kind of movement is, you know, a pretty common part of television, especially for a show that has been around for half a century. It keeps the show feeling new, but it also means we sometimes have to wave goodbye to people we have come to really enjoy watching. The 50th season, in a way, really brought this cycle into sharp focus.

The recent finale, which aired on May 17, certainly left a lot of folks wondering who among the performers might be making their last appearance. There was, as a matter of fact, a palpable feeling in the air that some farewells were on the horizon. This kind of speculation is, you know, pretty typical when a big season comes to an end, especially one that celebrates such a long run. Everyone starts trying to figure out who might be ready for their next big step outside of the comedy stage.

It is, I mean, a truly big ensemble that SNL puts together each year. Having seventeen people in the cast means there is a lot of talent all in one place, which is pretty amazing. Some of these comedians have, apparently, been with the show for quite a while, building up a good following among viewers. Their presence becomes, like, a very familiar part of the Saturday night routine for many people, making their potential departure a big deal.

What's the Story with Cast Leaving SNL After Season 50?

The big 50th season of Saturday Night Live wrapped up, and that always means there is talk about who might be moving on. It is, you know, a pretty common pattern for performers to spend a few years on the show and then go on to other projects. This time, the conversations were, you know, even more intense because of the big anniversary. People were really paying attention to who might be saying their goodbyes.

News about people leaving the cast started to surface even before the season really got going. One actor, for instance, was confirmed to be moving on before the 50th season even began. This kind of early news can, you know, set the tone for what to expect as the show goes on. It certainly made many people wonder if more announcements were coming as the season progressed towards its end.

The show’s ensemble is, basically, about to see some important members depart. There were, in fact, four experienced cast members mentioned who were leaving the NBC sketch comedy place. These individuals, people who had been bringing laughter to audiences for some time, were Kate McKinnon, Pete Davidson, Aidy Bryant, and Kyle Mooney. Their exits mark a notable change for the show, as they had been very much a part of its recent identity.

The departure of these four seasoned performers is, you know, a pretty big deal for the show. They had, in a way, become very much a part of what people expected to see each week. When such well-known people move on, it definitely leaves a space that needs to be filled, and it also makes people think about the show's direction. It is, like, a natural part of any long-running show to have these kinds of shifts in its lineup.

Who's Stepping Away From SNL?

As the start of Saturday Night Live's 50th season got closer, it became clear that at least two performers would not be part of the group. Punkie Johnson, who is 39, and Molly Kearney, who is 32, both made it known that they would not be returning. This kind of announcement, you know, always brings a bit of sadness for fans who have grown to enjoy their work. It is, you know, a big decision for any performer to step away from such a well-known stage.

Molly Kearney, someone who joined the show in 2022, also made history by becoming the first nonbinary performer in the show's long run. They shared the news of their departure from the well-known NBC program on social media. This kind of announcement, you know, always gets a lot of attention, especially when it involves someone who has made such a mark on the show's history. It really highlights the diverse talent that has graced the SNL stage over the years.

Punkie Johnson, who became part of the SNL cast as a featured player in 2020, also held a special place as the first openly Black queer woman on the show. She joined other LGBTQ performers like Kate McKinnon and Bowen Yang on the cast. Her departure, you know, means the show will be missing another important voice. It's always a moment of reflection when someone who has made such a unique contribution decides to move on to other ventures.

There was also talk about Bowen Yang, someone who joined the SNL cast in season 45. He has been quite busy with other projects, appearing alongside Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in a movie called "Wicked," and also being in "The Wedding Banquet," which is a new version of an Ang Lee film. While he has mentioned that he will eventually leave SNL, some people really doubt that it will happen at the end of this season. Yang and Marcello Hernandez are, you know, pretty much the closest thing SNL has to breakout performers right now, and it seems unlikely he would walk away just yet for a career in film and television.

How Do Cast Members Leave SNL?

Performers leaving Saturday Night Live can happen in different ways, you know. Sometimes, it is a very clear announcement, like Molly Kearney's social media post. Other times, it is hinted at during the show itself, like Scarlett Johansson's joke during the finale, which got many people thinking. It is, you know, a pretty common practice for these things to be handled with a bit of mystery or a quiet farewell.

The finale of the 50th season, which came to an abrupt close on May 17, certainly left many people guessing about who might be moving on for good. Host Scarlett Johansson wrapped things up, and the way it ended, you know, just added to the speculation. Fans were, in fact, convinced by the end of the season finale that it was the last episode for some of the performers. This kind of atmosphere is, you know, pretty typical when big changes are expected.

Sometimes, the departure of a performer is simply noticed when the new season's lineup is announced. This happened with Chloe Troast, who had a surprising exit after just one season. It is, you know, a pretty quick turnaround for some people, showing that the show is always looking for the right fit. The way these changes are revealed can vary quite a bit, keeping fans on their toes about who will be back.

A Look Back at SNL's 50th Season

The most recent season of Saturday Night Live was, you know, a truly special one because the sketch comedy show, which first started way back in 1975, was celebrating its 50th anniversary. This kind of milestone is, basically, a huge deal for any television program, and it brought a lot of attention to the show. It was a time to reflect on all the laughter and memorable moments that have happened over five decades.

The season was, in a way, packed with memorable moments and guest appearances, all leading up to its grand finale. The last episode aired on May 17, and it was, you know, a moment of both celebration and, perhaps, a little bit of sadness as people considered the changes ahead. The anticipation around the finale, hosted by Scarlett Johansson, was very high, with rumors flying about which performers might be leaving for good.

Saturday Night Live kicked off its important 50th season on Saturday, September 28, on NBC, with a truly impressive group of comedians ready to create new sketches. This kind of start, you know, always brings a lot of excitement for fans who are eager to see what new things the show will bring. The show has a very long history of bringing top comedic talent to the screen, and this season was no different.

What About the New Folks Joining SNL?

Even as some people are leaving, Saturday Night Live is always bringing in new talent to keep things fresh. The show added three new performers as featured players before season 50 even started. This kind of constant renewal is, you know, pretty important for a show that has been on for so long. It ensures that there are always new voices and new styles of comedy coming through.

The new faces joining SNL in season 50 came on the heels of Chloe Troast's surprising departure after just one season. This shows that the show is, you know, always looking to find the right mix of people for its cast. Sometimes, a performer's time on the show is shorter than expected, and then new people step in to fill those spots. It is, in a way, a very dynamic environment.

For all the latest news on casting and other happenings, people can, you know, sign up for newsletters or check out various news sources. This kind of information is, basically, always available for fans who want to stay up-to-date on who is coming and going. The show has a very dedicated following, and they are always interested in who will be joining the cast and who might be moving on.

The History-Making Cast Members Leaving SNL

Among the performers who have left or are leaving, some have made a special mark on the show's history. Punkie Johnson, for instance, who joined SNL as a featured player in 2020, was the first openly Black queer woman on the show's cast. Her presence was, you know, a significant step for representation on such a widely watched program. She brought a unique perspective and a lot of humor to the show.

Molly Kearney, who became part of SNL in 2022, also holds a place in the show's history as the first nonbinary cast member. Their announcement on social media that they were leaving the NBC mainstay was, you know, a moment that many people noted. These performers, in a way, helped to broaden the show's scope and bring new kinds of voices to the comedy stage. Their contributions are, basically, very important to the show's story.

These departures, you know, mean that the show will be without some of the individuals who helped break new ground. Their time on the show, though perhaps not as long as some others, was, in fact, very impactful. It shows that SNL has, you know, continued to evolve and include a wider range of comedic talent over its many years on the air. The show's ability to bring in diverse voices is, basically, one of its strengths.

What's Next for SNL's Cast?

With the 50th season now behind us, everyone is looking ahead to what the next season will bring for the cast. Saturday Night Live season 50 premieres on a Saturday in September, at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. The show is, you know, always ready to put together a whole new set of laughs for its audience. The changes in the cast mean there will be fresh dynamics and new characters to enjoy.

While some performers are leaving, others, like Kenan Thompson, seem to be staying put. After 22 seasons, it truly does not seem like he is going anywhere, which is pretty remarkable. His long tenure on the show is, you know, a testament to his talent and his ability to keep audiences entertained year after year. He is, basically, a very consistent presence on the show.

The milestone 50th season came to an end last month, but fans can, you know, look forward to even more laughs when season 51 begins later this year on the 2025 TV schedule. The show is, you know, always planning for the future, bringing in new talent and giving opportunities to those who are ready for their moment. The current cast, even with some departures, is still ready to bring the funny.

We can, you know, expect the show to continue its tradition of bringing in new talent while also relying on its core group of seasoned performers. The cycle of people joining and leaving is, in a way, what keeps the show feeling alive and fresh. It is, basically, a very unique kind of television show that manages to stay relevant for such a long time by embracing these changes.

Coping with a Cast and Tips for Your Cast Care - Chester County

Coping with a Cast and Tips for Your Cast Care - Chester County

Care of Casts and Splints - OrthoInfo - AAOS

Care of Casts and Splints - OrthoInfo - AAOS

How to Decorate Your Cast: Colors, "Casttoos," and More.

How to Decorate Your Cast: Colors, "Casttoos," and More.

Detail Author:

  • Name : Kenneth Wunsch
  • Username : alana.rice
  • Email : abigayle.miller@strosin.org
  • Birthdate : 1993-10-09
  • Address : 21640 Felicity Wall Suite 308 Willmouth, OH 53856-4372
  • Phone : +1-973-714-4361
  • Company : Hansen, Keebler and Frami
  • Job : Astronomer
  • Bio : Odit soluta quos quis occaecati consequatur nesciunt voluptates debitis. Quas quia eum sit consequatur. Voluptas suscipit enim possimus nemo et dolores.

Socials

tiktok:

linkedin: