Who Left, Who Joined and Who Stayed On

Studio 8H is experiencing a major shakeup as several cast members of “Saturday Night Live” have bid farewell ahead of the show’s 51st season. The departure trend kicked off on August 25 with the exit of Devon Walker, who took to Instagram to reflect on his time on “SNL,” describing it as both “really cool” and “toxic as hell.” Following Walker’s departure, Emil Wakim, Michael Longfellow, and Heidi Gardner also announced their exits from the NBC sketch comedy show after eight seasons.

While some newer members expressed sadness over their departure from “SNL,” it is anticipated that some long-serving cast members might choose to leave voluntarily before the Season 51 premiere on October 4. Showrunner Lorne Michaels is clearing the way for fresh faces to join the ensemble.

Among those leaving the show, Heidi Gardner stands out as the longest-tenured current female cast member, having been with the show for eight seasons. She was known for her memorable characters on “Weekend Update,” such as the teen movie critic Bailey Gismert and Angel, the quintessential boxer’s girlfriend. Gardner’s comedic prowess shone through in sketches like “Beavis and Butt-Head,” where her inability to contain her laughter at co-stars Mikey Day and Ryan Gosling dressed as the iconic characters became a fan favorite.

Michael Longfellow, who joined “SNL” in Season 48, made a name for himself with his sardonic segments on “Weekend Update.” His banter with Colin Jost on topics like Real ID and conservative family members resonated with audiences. Longfellow bid farewell on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the transformative experience at “SNL” and acknowledging show creator Lorne Michaels for the opportunity.

Devon Walker, who joined the cast in 2022, departed after three seasons, leaving behind memorable impressions of New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Michael Strahan. Reflecting on his time on the show, Walker acknowledged the highs and lows of his experience, describing it as a mix of cool moments and challenging times.

Emil Wakim, a newcomer in Season 50, was let go after one season. Despite the unexpected exit, Wakim expressed gratitude for his time on “SNL” and his eagerness to embark on new artistic endeavors without compromise.

As the cast undergoes changes ahead of Season 51, fans can expect a blend of familiar faces and fresh talent to grace the iconic stage of “Saturday Night Live.” Stay tuned for updates on the evolving lineup of this beloved sketch comedy series.