Saturday Night Live is gearing up for a season of transformation. As the iconic sketch comedy show prepares for its 51st season, set to premiere on October 4, 2025, at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC (with episodes streaming the next day on Peacock), fans can expect a cast shakeup that’s as dramatic as anything seen on Studio 8H in recent years. According to The Independent, five new featured players are joining the cast, while several familiar faces are making their exits—marking a significant moment in the show’s legacy of renewal and reinvention.
After a milestone 50th season that saw the return of beloved alumni like Kate McKinnon, Kristen Wiig, and Maya Rudolph, SNL’s creator and executive producer, Lorne Michaels, promised to "shake things up." In an interview with Puck, Michaels, now 80, explained his strategy: "I wanted people coming back and being part of [the 50th season]," he said, noting that he deliberately avoided major cast changes last year to keep the focus on anniversary celebrations and the high-stakes presidential election. But with the celebratory dust settled, Michaels admitted, "I do feel pressured to reinvent this season."
So, who are the new faces hoping to leave their mark on SNL’s storied stage? The five new featured players are Ben Marshall, Veronika Slowikowska, Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, and Kam Patterson. Each brings a unique comedic pedigree and a fresh perspective to the ensemble, continuing the show’s tradition of discovering and nurturing new talent.
Ben Marshall, already familiar to SNL viewers as one-third of the Please Don’t Destroy comedy group, officially steps into the cast after joining the writing staff in 2021. According to The Independent, Marshall’s Please Don’t Destroy digital shorts, created alongside John Higgins (who is departing as a writer) and Martin Herlihy (who remains on staff), have become a highlight of recent seasons. Marshall’s promotion to featured player is a natural next step for the comedian, whose offbeat style has resonated with audiences.
Veronika Slowikowska, meanwhile, is a Canadian actress and comedian who’s built a massive following on TikTok and Instagram—amassing over one million followers with her viral sketch videos, as reported by NBC Insider. A graduate of Toronto’s Randolph College for the Performing Arts, Slowikowska has also appeared in Netflix’s Tires, FX’s What We Do in the Shadows, and the series Poker Face. She announced her SNL debut on Instagram, writing, "Dream come true 🥲 see you Saturdays @nbcsnl." In a candid conversation with Interview magazine, Slowikowska described her creative process: "Not a sexy answer, but usually we have meetings to talk about stuff that's been inspiring us... The name of the game is always to be having as much fun as possible and to continue to impress ourselves."
Tommy Brennan, a Minnesota native and Second City alum, brings a strong improv background. According to USA Today, Brennan’s resume includes performances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and recognition as a Just for Laughs New Face of Comedy in 2023. Brennan’s comedic roots in Chicago’s legendary improv scene have shaped his approach, and his recent appearances at New York’s Comedy Cellar have made him a rising star in stand-up circles.
Jeremy Culhane is another digital-savvy addition, known for his viral sketches on Instagram and TikTok, as well as his regular appearances on Dropout TV’s comedy programming. Culhane’s acting credits include The Sex Lives of College Girls, Make Some Noise, and American Vandal. He’s also a performer with the Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles, further cementing his sketch comedy credentials.
Rounding out the new arrivals is Kam Patterson, a stand-up comedian who’s gained traction through his work on Tony Hinchcliffe’s Kill Tony podcast. Patterson’s career is on an upswing, with a slated appearance in the upcoming Kevin Hart film 72 Hours and a growing reputation for sharp, observational humor.
Of course, no season of SNL would be complete without some farewells. This year, the departures are as notable as the arrivals. Heidi Gardner, a fan favorite and the longest-tenured female cast member last season, is leaving after eight years on the show. According to Variety, Gardner became known for her standout characters on Weekend Update, including Angel and Bailey Gismert, and for her ability to anchor a sketch with both heart and hilarity. She has yet to publicly comment on her exit, but her absence will surely be felt.
Devon Walker, who joined the cast in 2022 after writing for Netflix’s Big Mouth, also announced his departure. In a reflective Instagram post quoted by USA Today, Walker wrote, "Sometimes it was toxic as hell. But we made the most of what it was, even amidst all the dysfunction. We made a f***ed up lil family." Walker’s run included memorable parodies of celebrities and politicians, and his candid remarks highlight the pressures and complexities of working on live television’s most demanding stage.
Emil Wakim, who joined SNL for its 50th season, described his exit as a "gut punch" on social media. Wakim often appeared in Weekend Update segments and left a mark with his December portrayal of Luigi Mangione, a fictional murder suspect. "I won’t be returning to SNL next year. It was a gut-punch of a call to get, but I’m so grateful for my time there," Wakim wrote, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and the community he found at SNL.
Michael Longfellow, who started as a featured player ahead of Season 48 and was promoted before Season 50, also confirmed his departure. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he wrote, "Will not be returning for a 4th season at SNL. Wish I was but, so it goes. Lorne, you gave me the greatest job in the world and changed my life... Thank you doesn’t begin to cover it, but thank you." Longfellow became known for his work behind the Weekend Update desk and his ability to bring fresh energy to the show’s satirical news segment.
While the new cast members prepare for their debut, some familiar faces remain. Notably, James Austin Johnson will return to continue his acclaimed portrayal of President Donald Trump—a role that has become a centerpiece of SNL’s political satire in recent years. According to Puck, Michaels confirmed Johnson’s return, ensuring a sense of continuity amid the broader changes.
Behind the scenes, the writing staff is also seeing turnover. John Higgins, another Please Don’t Destroy member, is departing to pursue acting, while writers Celeste Yim and Rosebud Baker have announced their exits after five and four seasons, respectively. Yim, the show’s first openly nonbinary writer, reflected on the experience as both a dream come true and a grueling challenge, writing on Instagram, "I loved it and I laughed every day and it’s where I grew up."
As SNL readies for its 51st season, the mix of new and returning talent, along with the show’s ever-evolving creative team, promises a season that will both honor its past and push its comedic boundaries. Lorne Michaels’ commitment to reinvention, as well as the candid reflections of departing cast members, offer a glimpse behind the curtain of a show that remains, after half a century, a defining force in American comedy.
The new season’s cast and creative changes are more than just a shuffle—they’re a testament to SNL’s enduring ability to adapt, surprise, and entertain, week after week, live from New York.
