The halls of Studio 8H are a little quieter this week. As the calendar turns toward the October 4 premiere of Saturday Night Live’s 51st season, the iconic sketch comedy show is undergoing one of its most significant cast changes in recent memory.
With several cast members already announcing their exits—and more expected to follow—showrunner Lorne Michaels is clearing the decks to make way for a new generation of comedy talent. From long-time veterans to recent newcomers, here’s a look at who’s leaving the show and what their departure means for the future of SNL.
Heidi Gardner
After eight seasons, Heidi Gardner is stepping away from the show as its longest-tenured female cast member. Gardner was a consistent powerhouse, appearing in the most sketches during Season 49. Her departure leaves a major hole in the cast.
Known for her deeply-committed and often hilarious characters on Weekend Update, Gardner created memorable recurring bits like the high school movie critic Bailey Gismert and Angel, “every boxer’s girlfriend from every movie about boxing ever.” However, her most viral moment came from a sketch with host Ryan Gosling and cast member Mikey Day, where the sight of them dressed as Beavis and Butt-Head made her famously break character, unable to hold back her laughter. That moment, a perfect blend of genuine humor and on-screen chaos, may stand as a fitting tribute to her infectious energy on the show.
Michael Longfellow
Michael Longfellow is heading out after three seasons, leaving behind a unique voice that resonated with audiences. Longfellow joined the cast in Season 48 and quickly made his mark with his signature sardonic delivery on Weekend Update. He often used his segments to banter with Colin Jost about everything from new government regulations to his experiences with his conservative family members, finding humor in the most mundane and personal topics.
In an Instagram post confirming his exit, Longfellow wrote, “It was the best three years of my life so far. I feel nothing but gratitude for the experience and everyone there.” He credited Lorne Michaels with changing his life and expressed how much he will miss the friends he made in Studio 8H.
Devon Walker
Another Season 48 newcomer, Devon Walker, is also departing after three seasons. Walker became a recognizable face on the show for his spot-on impressions of figures like New York City Mayor Eric Adams and former NFL star Michael Strahan.
In a candid Instagram post, Walker reflected on his time at the show with a raw honesty that’s rare for former cast members. “Me and the show did three years together, and sometimes it was really cool. Sometimes it was toxic as hell,” he wrote. Despite the challenges, he called his time at SNL a “fucked up lil family,” a perfect description for the famously intense and demanding environment of the show.
Emil Wakim
Perhaps the most surprising departure is Emil Wakim, who is leaving after just a single season. As a Season 50 newcomer, Wakim showed incredible potential with a variety of characters, including his take on Mohammad bin Salman and his Weekend Update debut where he shared his Christian Arab heritage.
Wakim described getting the call about his departure as a “gut punch,” but his response was gracious and hopeful. On Instagram, he thanked Lorne Michaels and said he was “excited for whatever chapter comes next. Here’s to making more art without compromise.” His exit is a stark reminder of the show’s “sink or swim” mentality, and it’s a shame to see a promising new voice leave so quickly.
With the season premiere just weeks away, this cast shakeup feels less like a trim and more like a major rebuild. As we await news of any new additions, one thing is certain: Studio 8H is about to feel very different. The departing cast members will be missed, and their shoes will be difficult to fill.
