SNL Season 51 Cast Finalized: Departures, Returns, and Fresh Faces Revealed Ahead of October Premiere
SNL Season 51 Cast Finalized: Departures, Returns, and Fresh Faces Revealed Ahead of October Premiere
Saturday Night Live is gearing up for its highly anticipated 51st season, set to premiere on October 4, 2025, with a significant cast shake-up confirmed by NBC. Veteran cast member Chloe Fineman, who is returning for her seventh year, shared her mixed emotions regarding the changes, admitting to “a little heartbreak, sadness” over the departures.
Among the notable exits are Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, and John Higgins. Their absence marks a considerable shift for the long-running sketch comedy show. Fineman acknowledged the show’s frequent turnover but emphasized the lasting bonds formed, stating, “these people stay in your lives.”
Despite the departures, a strong core of talent is confirmed to return for Season 51, including Fineman, Bowen Yang, Kenan Thompson, Ego Nwodim, Marcello Hernandez, Colin Jost, Michael Che, Andrew Dismukes, James Austin Johnson, Sarah Sherman, Ashley Padilla, Mikey Day, and Jane Wickline. Additionally, Ben Marshall of Please Don’t Destroy has been promoted to a featured player.
The new season will also introduce several fresh faces to the iconic stage: Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska. Fineman expressed excitement for the new cast, humorously noting their youth and her own feeling like she was in ‘Death Becomes Her’.
Bowen Yang also reflected on the cast changes, specifically honoring Heidi Gardner on his Las Culturistas podcast. He praised Gardner as a “true anchor” and “one of the greats,” highlighting her talent as a sketch writer and her role in supporting the cast through challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
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