Alright, SNL fans, brace yourselves. Your Saturday night plans are about to get a little… postponed. That’s right: SNL season 51 won’t be hitting your screen this September like the previous installment. I know, I know, it's a bummer. No new sketches, no surprise celebrity hosts, and none of those Saturday-night laughs we’ve all come to rely on. Well, at least not yet.
But don't worry, the wait isn't forever! In fact, you'll just need to hold on a little longer. SNL season 51 is set to premiere on NBC on Oct. 4, 2025. While we don’t know who will be kicking off the season as host just yet, you can bet the new episodes will bring all the outrageous sketches, jaw-dropping celebrity cameos, and laugh-out-loud moments that make Saturday nights so iconic.
However, be prepared for some changes to the cast this season. This shouldn't really come as a surprise, given that SNL regularly shakes up its lineup every now and then. Sometimes we'll see first-year cast members and even more seasoned performers leave to pursue new opportunities or because producers feel it’s time to refresh the lineup. For the SNL season 51 cast lineup so far, there are three cast members who have been confirmed to exit the popular live sketch comedy show.
SNL season 51 cast departures
Devon Walker
Comedian and actor Devon Walker was the first cast member announced to be leaving the sketch comedy show ahead of its fifty-first season. Walker joined SNL in 2022 as a featured player and was promoted during the show’s 50th anniversary season. Known for his impressions of celebrities like Frank Ocean, Michael Strahan, Shannon Sharpe, Draymond Green, and Eric Adams, Walker had limited screen time last season, which may have contributed to his departure.
He shared the news on Instagram, reflecting on his three years with the show as a mix of rewarding and challenging experiences, and expressed excitement for his next projects, including his dream role in a prestige drama.
Emil Wakim
The next cast member who was announced as departing SNL before its upcoming season is fellow comedian and actor Emil Wakim. Wakim joined SNL as a featured player last season, contributing primarily to segments on “Weekend Update.”
He shared the news of his departure on Instagram, calling it a “gut punch” but expressing gratitude for the experience. While he didn’t announce any specific future projects, Wakim said he’s excited for what’s next and eager to continue creating art on his own terms.
Michael Longfellow
Sadly, Michael Longfellow is the latest cast member to leave SNL ahead of season 51. He became a featured player on the show in season 48 and was later elevated to the main cast before season 50. According to Deadline, his departure comes as a bit of a surprise, as he seemed to be on track for a bigger role, possibly taking over the Weekend Update desk in the future. But with his exit, it looks like the show decided to go in a different direction.
Unfortunately, more cast departures are expected before the SNL season 51 premiere. Stay tuned to GeekSided for more news and coverage on the sketch comedy show!