In a dramatic reshuffle, several key cast members and writers are departing Saturday Night Live just before the show’s 51st season kicks off October 4.
Cast Exits Include:
- Heidi Gardner, wrapping up eight standout seasons celebrated for her memorable characters and sharp impersonations, including Angel, Bailey Gismert, and her viral “Beavis and Butt-Head” sketch.
- Michael Longfellow, a fan-favorite known for his deadpan humor and Weekend Update bits, leaving after three seasons.
- Devon Walker, who described his time on the show as a wild ride, is also exiting after a few seasons.
- Emil Wakim, a 2024 addition, departs after just one season.
Writers Departing:
- Celeste Yim, one of the show’s most influential Asian-American voices and its first openly trans writer, is stepping down after five years.
- Rosebud Baker, who joined the writing team in 2022, will also be leaving.
This wave of departures follows a period of reflection after SNL’s 50th anniversary. Executive producer Lorne Michaels had hinted at a “massive cast shakeup.” The 50th season included special retrospectives and a star-studded celebration—but now, the show faces a fresh slate of talent in both front of and behind the camera.
Despite the departures, Season 51 will welcome returning familiar faces, including Weekend Update host James Austin Johnson. The extensive turnover marks a notable pivot in SNL’s long-running legacy, signaling a new creative chapter ahead.
About the Author
