The comedy world is buzzing with recent news as two groundbreaking cast members from "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) have announced their departures. Molly Kearney and Punkie Johnson, who both made historic strides during their tenures on the show, will not be returning for SNL's monumental 50th season this fall.
Molly Kearney, the first nonbinary cast member to join the iconic late-night sketch program, shared the news of their exit through an emotional Instagram post. The 32-year-old comedian celebrated their two-season run by expressing deep gratitude for the experience. "Y'all, that's a wrap on my time on SNL! Reflecting on the amazing 2 seasons I got on this show, it was such a dream come true. So incredibly grateful for this period in my life," they wrote alongside various snapshots from behind the scenes.
Kearney’s unique voice and perspective shone brightly throughout their time on the show. They captivated audiences through memorable appearances, including dramatic sketches and bold political commentary. One standout moment occurred during a "Weekend Update" segment where Kearney made headlines for their fierce advocacy for transgender rights. Ladying dropped from the ceiling, they made waves discussing anti-trans legislation, declaring pointedly, "If you don’t care about trans kids’ lives, it means you don’t care about freaking kids’ lives." Such moments underscored Kearney’s commitment not only to comedy but to raising awareness on pressing social issues.
Johnson, who made history as the first openly Black queer woman cast member of SNL, also took to social media to announce her departure. The 39-year-old comic revealed her decision during a stand-up performance at Brooklyn’s Union Hall, where she shared, "I just want to let you know after four seasons, I will not be returning to ‘SNL’ for the 50th." She confirmed her exit through Instagram as well, stating, "SNL I LOVE YOU ... LOOKING FORWARD TO WHAT’S NEXT!!!"
Both Kearney and Johnson’s announcements came as part of significant changes within the show as SNL prepares for its 50th season, marking half a century of providing both political satire and entertainment. Breaking away from tradition, SNL’s executive producer Lorne Michaels is expected to make shifts necessary for this milestone season, which could include adding new cast members to liven up the ensemble.
The timing of Kearney and Johnson’s exits has raised eyebrows, particularly as fans recall Johnson’s earlier comments during her stand-up routine where she mentioned the open-ended question about her plans for the next season. "I didn’t want to lie to my friends, so I just said, ‘Oh, I ain’t coming back,’" Johnson explained, reflecting on how the announcement became public.
Despite the bittersweet farewell, both comedians look forward to their futures. Kearney showed appreciation for the talented writers and performers they collaborated with, adding, "Special shout out to my day one crew," which included fellow cast members Marcello Hernández, Devon Walker, and Michael Longfellow.
These changes come on the heels of other notable exits from the SNL family, including both Kearney and Johnson’s announcement was overshadowed somewhat by the news of former cast member Maya Rudolph’s expected return to the show. Rudolph is set to reprise her role as Kamala Harris following her Apple TV+ project being put on hold. Fans are excited to see how these absences and returns will shape the dynamic of the iconic show.
While Kearney and Johnson step away from the famed Studio 8H, their legacies will undoubtedly inspire future performers, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. They’ve both shown how representation and diversity can impact mainstream entertainment, paving the way for more inclusive voices on the stage.
With SNL’s next chapter fast approaching, it’s clear the comedic world buzzes with anticipation. While fans will miss Kearney and Johnson, they can hold onto the excitement of what the milestone 50th season will bring, including new faces on the roster. The promise of humor and satire is ever-present, making it likely many will continue to tune in as the show embarks on this new adventure.