Saturday Night Live is undergoing a significant cast overhaul ahead of its season 51 premiere this weekend, with several long-time members departing and five new faces joining the show. The changes come after showrunner Lorne Michaels, 80, promised to 'shake things up' following the 50th anniversary season, which saw no major exits.
Ego Nwodim, a cast member since 2018, has left the show after seven seasons. In a statement on Instagram, she said: 'The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight. But after seven unforgettable seasons, I have decided to leave SNL.' Her departure was voluntary, according to Deadline, after Michaels informed the cast that the season 51 lineup was complete.
Nwodim became a breakout star in recent seasons, known for her viral sketch as Lisa, a Temecula lawyer whose preference for a well-done steak causes the table to shake dramatically. She also made headlines for her stand-up persona Miss Eggy. Last season, she was the longest-tenured female cast member and appeared in more sketches than any other performer in Season 49.
Other departures include Please Don’t Destroy member John Higgins, who has left the show, while fellow troupe member Martin Herlihy is believed to be staying on as a writer. Ben Marshall, also from the group, has officially joined the cast. The trio joined SNL in 2021 and regularly contributed video sketches.
New cast members include Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, and Jane Wickline, who joined last season, along with newcomers Yvonne Slowikowska, known for her Instagram sketches and roles in Tires and What We Do in the Shadows; Andrew Brennan, a Comedy Cellar regular; and comedian Pat Culhane, who gained fame on TikTok and Dropout TV. Additionally, stand-up comedian Luke Patterson, known for his work on Kill Tony, has been added.
Michaels confirmed that James Austin Johnson will return to portray President Donald Trump. The season 51 premiere airs this weekend.
