Saturday Night Live’s New Cast Members: Meet the 5 Fresh Faces Joining Season 51

Saturday Night Live is shaking up its lineup for season 51 with five new featured players: Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska. The newcomers made their debut during the season’s premiere episode, joining a refreshed ensemble that aims to connect with younger audiences while honoring SNL’s legacy of discovering new comedic talent.

The new group joins returning featured players Ashley Padilla and Jane Wickline, alongside the established main cast, which includes Kenan Thompson, Bowen Yang, Chloe Fineman, Sarah Sherman, Andrew Dismukes, Marcello Hernández, James Austin Johnson, Mikey Day, and “Weekend Update” hosts Michael Che and Colin Jost. Several familiar faces, including Heidi Gardner, Ego Nwodim, Michael Longfellow, Emil Wakim, Devon Walker, and Please Don’t Destroy’s John Higgins, have departed ahead of the new season.

Who Are the New Saturday Night Live Cast Members?

Tommy Brennan — A stand-up comedian from Saint Paul, Brennan was named a Just for Laughs New Face of Comedy in 2023 and recently appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. His humor is rooted in Midwest life and family experiences, and he’s known for his vibrant windbreakers and down-to-earth style.

Jeremy Culhane — Culhane comes from the Los Angeles comedy scene, with training from the Upright Citizens Brigade and the Groundlings. He’s appeared on American Vandal, The Sex Lives of College Girls, and is a staple on Dropout TV. His improvisation-driven podcast, Artists on Artists on Artists on Artists, showcases his quick wit and Hollywood satire.

Ben Marshall — Already familiar to SNL fans, Marshall is part of the Please Don’t Destroy trio and has been writing for the show since 2021. Known for viral digital shorts like “Three Sad Virgins” with Taylor Swift, he’s now stepping into a bigger on-screen role following John Higgins’ departure.

Kam Patterson — A stand-up comic from Orlando who built his reputation in Austin, Patterson is known for his bold, provocative material. He’s a regular on Tony Hinchcliffe’s “Kill Tony” podcast and has appeared in Netflix’s upcoming 72 Hours and David Spade’s Busboys. His hiring signals SNL’s willingness to experiment with edgier voices.

Veronika Slowikowska — A Canadian actress and comedian with a strong social media presence, Slowikowska frequently goes viral for quirky sketches with collaborator Kyle Chase. Her acting credits include What We Do in the Shadows and Poker Face, making her one of the most digitally savvy additions to the cast.

What This Cast Shake-Up Means for SNL

Producer Lorne Michaels has emphasized the importance of refreshing SNL’s talent to stay culturally relevant, especially with younger audiences who engage through platforms like TikTok and YouTube. This year’s changes reflect a balance between maintaining SNL’s long-standing comedy tradition and embracing new voices with different comedic sensibilities.

The inclusion of internet-driven performers like Slowikowska and established SNL writer Ben Marshall shows the show’s strategy of tapping into viral culture. Meanwhile, the addition of bold stand-ups like Kam Patterson signals a push toward edgier comedy moments that might spark conversation across social media.

Season 51 is already shaping up to be a defining year for Saturday Night Live, as the show introduces new comedic energy while bidding farewell to some beloved veterans.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who are the new featured players on Saturday Night Live season 51?

The five new featured players are Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska.

Q2: Who left Saturday Night Live before season 51 started?

Heidi Gardner, Ego Nwodim, Michael Longfellow, Emil Wakim, Devon Walker, and John Higgins departed the show.

Q3: What did Lorne Michaels say about the new cast members?

He said the show always brings in new generations to stay fresh and appeal to younger audiences, especially with platforms like TikTok.

Q4: What projects are the new cast members known for?

Ben Marshall is part of Please Don’t Destroy, Jeremy Culhane is known for Dropout TV, and Veronika Slowikowska is popular on TikTok and Instagram.

Q5: When does Saturday Night Live air?

Saturday Night Live airs Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock.