Saturday Night Live Announces New Cast Members
Buckle up, Saturday Night Live fans, because the SNL cast of 2025 is about to experience quite the shakeup.
Season 51 is set to kick off on October 4, and the significant SNL cast changes are turning heads. From beloved faces heading out to newcomers stepping in, there’s a lot of buzz for us to talk about.
Let’s catch up on who’s leaving, who’s joining, and what to look forward to in this fresh new season.
Who’s In and Who’s Out on SNL This Season
Let’s start with the SNL cast leaving list. Four cast members won’t be back for Season 51:
Heidi Gardner: After a standout eight-season run, Heidi didn’t have her contract renewed. She quietly exited without public comment, a move that surprised many fans.
Devon Walker: Devon joined in 2022 and described his exit as mutual. He said his experience was rewarding, albeit sometimes challenging.
Michael Longfellow: On Instagram, Michael confirmed that he won’t be returning for a fourth season. He said it was a difficult decision to make, but was grateful for his time.
Emil Wakim: Emil called being let go a “gut punch” in an Instagram post, though he expressed gratitude for the opportunity. He was a newer cast member from Season 50.
These departures are a big shake-up for the SNL cast in season 51. But, we have quite a few new characters to look forward to who will still bring the laughter into our homes.
Fresh Faces Incoming: SNL Cast Additions
Here are the fresh faces joining the cast this fall:
Tommy Brennan: Tommy is a Minnesota stand-up who recently performed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Jeremy Culhane: Jeremy is a California comedian best known for his viral sketches, improv work, and TV roles.
Ben Marshall: Ben used to be a writer and digital short contributor. In addition to SNL, he’s also about to step into a featured role as part of the comedy trio Please Don’t Destroy.
Kam Patterson: Kam is a high-energy stand-up who has appeared on quite a few popular podcasts and is about to star in an upcoming Netflix film, 72 Hours.
Veronika Slowikowska: Veronika is a Canadian comedian known for her sketch work and roles on shows like What We Do in the Shadows.
These SNL cast additions promise to bring fresh energy and diverse comedic styles to the show. And that’s something most viewers value.
How the Lineup Is Shaping Up for SNL Cast 2025
Putting it all together, here’s where things stand:
Departures: Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, Emil Wakim.
Additions: Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, Veronika Slowikowska.
Returning: Familiar faces like James Austin Johnson, Kenan Thompson, Colin Jost, Michael Che, and more.
This is all part of Lorne Michaels’ commitment to making meaningful SNL cast changes. The goal is to keep the show fresh, while respecting its longstanding comedic tradition.
The Stage Is Set for Season 51
The stakes are high as Saturday Night Live returns on October 4. With four departures and five new faces, the show is entering a fresh chapter that feels both uncertain and exciting.
Longtime viewers will miss familiar performers, but the new comics are stepping in with plenty of momentum.
The balance of change and tradition has always been part of SNL’s story, and Season 51 will be no different. Fans are eager to see how the sketches will evolve, which breakout stars will emerge, and what surprises will unfold live on air.
One thing is certain: the SNL cast of 2025 is ready to take the spotlight, and all eyes will be on how they shape the year ahead.