Saturday Night Live went through a cast shakeup two months ahead of its season 51 premiere, and while some departures are shocking, the NBC sketch comedy series cycles through different comedians every year. So, who’s actually returning for SNL in 2025, and who’s part of the new cast?

Following SNL50 and the show’s season 50 finale, the show’s longest-running cast member, Kenan Thompson, teased to Page Six that “bittersweet” changes were imminent.

“Especially this year where it feels like there’s maybe, possibly, a lot of change next year,” the Nickelodeon alum said. “You want everyone to stay forever, knowing that people may be making decisions this summer. It’s always like you want your kids to stay young.”

Hollywood Life has the latest updates on who’s in the SNL season 51 cast and who’s leaving.

Was SNL Canceled?

No, season 51 of SNL will still air on October 4, 2025. The show has not been canceled.

Who Is Returning to the SNL Cast for Season 51?

At the time of publication, these names are presumably still part of SNL for its 51st season:

Who Are the New SNL Season 51 Cast Members?

The following were announced as new cast members of SNL season 51:

• Tommy Brennan
• Jeremy Culhane
• Ben Marshall
• Kam Patterson
• Veronika Slowikowska

Welcome to the cast!

Tommy Brennan
Jeremy Culhane
Ben Marshall
Kam Patterson
Veronika Slowikowska pic.twitter.com/hXtrUgwEgx

— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) September 2, 2025

Since multiple cast members have left the show, this list can change at any point before season 51 airs in October 2025.

Who Is Leaving SNL? 2025 Cast Departures

The following cast members are leaving SNL ahead of season 51:

Why Is Heidi Gardner Leaving SNL?

Heidi has not publicly commented on her shocking exit from SNL at the time of publication. Her departure comes eight years after she made her debut, and the actress became the longest-running tenured female on the show.

Why Did Ego Nwodim Leave SNL?

Ego announced that she left SNL on her own accord in a September 2025 Instagram post. She wrote, “The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight. But after seven unforgettable seasons, I have decided to leave SNL. I am immensely grateful to Lorne for the opportunity, to my castmates, the writers and the crew for their brilliance, support and friendship. Week after week on that stage taught me more than I could have ever imagined, and I will carry those memories, and that laughter, with me always

Was Anyone Fired From SNL?

It’s unclear who was fired and who left on their own accord, but Devon and Emil seemingly hinted that they were released from SNL.

Devon was the first to comment on his departure, sharing a screenshot from a computer Text Edit note to his Instagram carousel post in August 2025.

“Me and the show did three years together, and sometimes, it was really cool,” Devon wrote in his statement. “Sometimes, it was toxic as hell. But we did what we made the most of what it was, even amidst all of the dysfunction. We made a f**ked up lil family.”

The top of Devon’s note was labeled, “wait..did he quit or did he get fired?”

As for Emil, the comedian also confirmed his exit via Instagram, implying that he was released upon receiving a phone call.

“I won’t be returning to SNL next year,” Emil confirmed via Instagram in late August 2025. “It was a gut punch of a call to get, but I’m so grateful for my time there.”

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