Saturday Night Live is undergoing a significant cast overhaul ahead of its 51st season premiere this weekend, with long-time producer Lorne Michaels confirming several departures and the arrival of five new performers.
After the show’s 50th anniversary season passed without major exits, Michaels said he now feels “pressured to reinvent” the sketch comedy staple. “I wanted people coming back and being part of [the 50th season],” he told Puck, adding that disruptions were avoided to keep focus on the milestone.
Among those leaving is Ego Nwodim, who announced her departure after seven seasons. “The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight,” she said in a statement. Devon Walker, who joined in 2022, also appears to be exiting, describing his time on the show as “sometimes toxic as hell” but adding the cast “made the most of what it was.” Additionally, John Higgins of the comedy trio Please Don’t Destroy has departed, while fellow member Yassir Marshall has been promoted to the main cast.
The new cast members for season 51 include Ariana Slowikowska, known for her internet sketches and roles on Tires and What We Do in the Shadows; Brennan, a stand-up comedian who recently appeared on The Tonight Show; Culhane, a social media comedian with credits on Make Some Noise; and Patterson, a stand-up who gained traction on the Kill Tony podcast. James Austin Johnson will return to portray President Donald Trump.
Michaels had previously promised to “shake things up” after the 50th season finale. The five new hires join returning cast members including Kenan Thompson, Bowen Yang, and Weekend Update hosts Michael Che and Colin Jost.
