Please Don’t Destroy Trio Splits on SNL as Ben Marshall Joins Cast

The comedy group Please Don’t Destroy is breaking up—at least on Saturday Night Live.

Ben Marshall, one-third of the viral sketch trio, is joining the featured cast of SNL. Meanwhile, Martin Herlihy will stay on as a writer, and John Higgins has exited the show.

Ben Marshall Joins SNL Cast as Higgins Exits

NBC confirmed Marshall’s new role as a featured player ahead of Season 51. This is a major promotion after years of writing and starring in digital shorts.

Higgins is leaving to act full-time. Herlihy will remain behind the scenes as a writer. The trio had been working together since joining SNL in 2021.

They rose to fame with offbeat, fast-paced videos. Many went viral online. Their sketches often featured celebrity guests like Taylor Swift and Rami Malek.

According to Variety, they were originally hired during the 47th season. Their humor often echoed the early digital shorts of The Lonely Island.

Why This Matters for SNL and the Group

Please Don’t Destroy brought a unique energy to SNL. Their clips quickly became fan favorites. Marshall’s move to the main cast shows trust in his on-screen skills.

Higgins’ departure may allow him to pursue acting opportunities full-time. Herlihy will help carry on the group’s humor in future sketches.

The trio still plans to work together outside the show. They are currently on tour. In 2023, they starred in Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain on Peacock.

Their split within SNL may open doors for solo projects. But fans can rest assured—they’re not breaking up as a creative team.

The future of Please Don’t Destroy now looks different—but not done.

Dropping this nugget your way-

Q1: What happened to Please Don’t Destroy on SNL?

Ben Marshall joined the cast. Martin Herlihy stayed on as a writer. John Higgins left the show to act.

Q2: Will Please Don’t Destroy still work together?

Yes. They are still on tour and planning projects outside of SNL.

Q3: Why did John Higgins leave SNL?

He left to focus on his acting career. It was a personal decision.

Q4: What are some famous sketches by Please Don’t Destroy?

They created viral digital shorts with stars like Taylor Swift and Timothée Chalamet.

Q5: When did Please Don’t Destroy join SNL?

They were hired as writers during the 47th season in 2021.