SNL Reveals Season 51 Cast With Surprising New Additions

The iconic sketch show Saturday Night Live is undergoing a significant transformation for its 51st season. Five new featured players are joining the cast after several veteran departures. The new season premieres October 4 on NBC with host Bad Bunny and musical guest Doja Cat.

This major cast overhaul reflects the show’s long-standing tradition of renewal. Executive producer Lorne Michaels confirmed the changes, stating to Entertainment Tonight that reviving the show through new generations is essential for its survival.

Veteran Cast Members Bid Farewell to Studio 8H

The exodus began in late August with the departure of three-season alum Devon Walker. He was quickly followed by first-year performer Emil Wakim and three-year cast member Michael Longfellow. Perhaps the most surprising exit was Heidi Gardner, who left after a successful eight-season run.

The final and most poignant departure came from Ego Nwodim after seven seasons. She announced her exit on Instagram Stories, noting that “the hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight.” The comedy trio Please Don’t Destroy also announced they were pausing their video segments on the show.

Meet the Newcomers Joining the SNL Legacy

The five new featured players bring diverse comedic backgrounds to the hallowed stage. Ben Marshall, a former SNL writer and member of Please Don’t Destroy, is among the newcomers. He confirmed the group would continue collaborating outside the show.

The other new cast members are Tommy Brennan, 31, Jeremy Culhane, 33, Kam Patterson, 26, and Veronika Slowikowska, 29. Brennan and Patterson are established stand-up comedians, while Culhane built a following on TikTok and Slowikowska has acting credits in shows like What We Do in the Shadows.

Lorne Michaels expressed strong confidence in the new lineup. He told Entertainment Tonight that the incoming talent has him genuinely excited for the season ahead. He emphasized that change, while difficult, is ultimately good for the long-running program.

The cast changes for SNL Season 51 represent one of the most substantial shifts in recent years, setting the stage for a fresh new era of live comedy. Fans eagerly await the dynamic these new performers will bring to the legendary show.

Info at your fingertips

Who are all the new cast members joining SNL?

The five new featured players are Ben Marshall, Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska. They join the returning cast for the 51st season starting October 4.

Which longtime cast members left SNL?

Key departures include Ego Nwodim after seven seasons and Heidi Gardner after eight seasons. Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, and Michael Longfellow also left the show ahead of the new season.

Is Please Don’t Destroy still on SNL?

The trio is pausing their viral video segments on the show. However, member Ben Marshall is joining as a featured player, and Martin Herlihy will remain as a writer.

When does the new SNL season start?

Season 51 of Saturday Night Live premieres on October 4, 2025. The inaugural episode will be hosted by Bad Bunny with Doja Cat as the musical guest.

Why did so many cast members leave SNL?

Executive producer Lorne Michaels has stated that cast evolution is a natural and necessary process for the show’s longevity. He described it as a difficult but vital part of keeping the show fresh.