Many departing actors: why do comedians leave Saturday Night Live?
29 august 2025 в 20:13
Two months before the premiere of the 51st season of Saturday Night Live, the show lost several cast members, including one of the longest-running stars. In just one week, the departure of the show’s participants shocked fans, many wondering why these comedians were leaving SNL.
Below, Hollywood Life breaks down everything we know at the moment about the reasons for the departure of SNL cast members and who is leaving.
No, SNL is not ending before its 51st season. The new season will begin on October 4, 2025.
The following comedians are leaving SNL before the 51st season:
Heidi has not publicly commented on her departure from SNL. She was in the sketch show for eight seasons.
Devon was the first to confirm his departure from SNL in an Instagram post, which included a screenshot from a Text Edit note. The message said, in part, «We spent three years together, and sometimes it was really cool. Sometimes it was toxic as hell. But we did everything to make the most of what we had, even in all the dysfunction. We created a messed up little family».
Devon titled his note «wait.did he leave or was he fired?», leaving the reason for his departure in question. However, Emil confirmed in his statement that he was told he would not be returning for the 51st season, implying that he and others may have been fired.
«I won’t be back on SNL next year», - confirmed Emil in his Instagram statement. «It was a gut punch, but I am so grateful for my time there».
Michael also expressed disappointment at leaving the show. He wrote on Instagram, «I won’t be back for a fourth season on SNL. Bummer, but that’s the way it is. These have been the best three years of my life. I feel nothing but gratitude for the experience and for everyone there. Lorne, you gave me the best job in the world and changed my life. You even showed my mom on TV. Thank you — it’s not enough to say, but thank you. I will miss all of this, but most of all I will miss the friends I found there and saw every day».
Despite the heartwrenching news, it is quite normal for SNL to change comedians. Almost after every season, the show hires new faces when veterans leave.
Only James Austin Johnson has been confirmed to return for the 51st season by Lorne Michaels personally. The other participants presumably still include the following names who were in the 50th season:
Below, Hollywood Life breaks down everything we know at the moment about the reasons for the departure of SNL cast members and who is leaving.
No, SNL is not ending before its 51st season. The new season will begin on October 4, 2025.
The following comedians are leaving SNL before the 51st season:
Heidi has not publicly commented on her departure from SNL. She was in the sketch show for eight seasons.
Devon was the first to confirm his departure from SNL in an Instagram post, which included a screenshot from a Text Edit note. The message said, in part, «We spent three years together, and sometimes it was really cool. Sometimes it was toxic as hell. But we did everything to make the most of what we had, even in all the dysfunction. We created a messed up little family».
Devon titled his note «wait.did he leave or was he fired?», leaving the reason for his departure in question. However, Emil confirmed in his statement that he was told he would not be returning for the 51st season, implying that he and others may have been fired.
«I won’t be back on SNL next year», - confirmed Emil in his Instagram statement. «It was a gut punch, but I am so grateful for my time there».
Michael also expressed disappointment at leaving the show. He wrote on Instagram, «I won’t be back for a fourth season on SNL. Bummer, but that’s the way it is. These have been the best three years of my life. I feel nothing but gratitude for the experience and for everyone there. Lorne, you gave me the best job in the world and changed my life. You even showed my mom on TV. Thank you — it’s not enough to say, but thank you. I will miss all of this, but most of all I will miss the friends I found there and saw every day».
Despite the heartwrenching news, it is quite normal for SNL to change comedians. Almost after every season, the show hires new faces when veterans leave.
Only James Austin Johnson has been confirmed to return for the 51st season by Lorne Michaels personally. The other participants presumably still include the following names who were in the 50th season:
© Smirnova Olga
