The upcoming season of Saturday Night Live (SNL) is set to undergo significant changes. Recently, several cast members, including Michael Longfellow, Emil Wakim, and Devon Walker, along with some writers, have announced their departure ahead of the new season.
These departures may reflect broader transformations anticipated at NBC’s iconic program, especially following remarks from SNL creator Lorne Michaels, who indicated in a recent interview with Puck that fans should expect substantial changes before the season premiere on October 4. When queried about making significant shifts at SNL, he confirmed that he plans to do so.
“There will be an announcement in about a week,” Michaels shared on August 22, expressing that he feels “the pressure to reinvent” for the upcoming season.
Michael Longfellow
On August 28, various sources confirmed that Longfellow would not be returning for SNL Season 51. He joined the cast as a featured player in Season 48 and became a main cast member in Season 50. So far, he hasn’t commented on his exit via social media.
His departure was unexpected for some, especially after reports from LateNighter mentioned that Longfellow had filmed a screen test for the Weekend Update segment, currently co-hosted by Colin Jost and Michael Che. It’s uncertain if they plan to leave as well.
Emil Wakim
Wakim announced on August 27 that he would not return for the next season after being part of SNL in Season 50. “It was tough news to receive, but I’m deeply grateful for my time there,” he shared on Instagram.
He noted that he learned about his exit while at Six Flags, leading to an “emotional walk” reflecting on his experience. Wakim expressed his thanks to Lorne Michaels for believing in him and transforming his life, stating, “Working there was the most thrilling and rewarding experience of my life.”
Devon Walker
Walker shared his departure news on social media on Tuesday, humorously stating, “me and baby broke up.” He remarked on his three years with the show, describing it as a mix of cool and at times, toxic experiences, yet he appreciated the journey.
Uncertain if he left voluntarily, Walker jokingly wrote, “wait…did he quit or did he get fired?” He also mentioned aspirations to star in a prestige drama, ideally with Julianne Moore.
Celeste Yim and Rosebud Baker
Writers Yim and Baker are also exiting SNL. Yim, who worked with the writing team for five years since 2020 and was promoted to writing supervisor in 2023, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity, highlighting their significance as the first open trans writer on the show.
Baker joined SNL in Season 47 in 2022, after writing for That Damn Michael Che and worked on “Weekend Update” throughout Season 50. She described her experience as a stroke of luck within a highly competitive field of talent.
