Meta Description: SNL season 51 cast welcomes five new members, including Ben Marshall, following four major departures. Get the full list and details on the show’s biggest shake-up in years.
Tags: SNL season 51, SNL new cast, Ben Marshall, Saturday Night Live cast, Heidi Gardner leaves, NBC comedy
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Category: Entertainment
SNL Season 51 Cast Shake-Up: Five New Members Join After Four Exits
Saturday Night Live is undergoing a major cast overhaul for its 51st season. NBC confirmed the addition of five new featured players this week. This news comes just days after the show announced four cast departures.
This represents one of the most significant roster changes in the show’s recent history. The moves aim to refresh the long-running comedy institution.
Meet the New Saturday Night Live Cast Members
The new cast includes Ben Marshall from the popular digital sketch group Please Don’t Destroy. Marshall will transition from a writer and digital short performer to a full cast member.
He is joined by stand-up comedian Kam Patterson. Patterson is known for his appearances on the podcast Kill Tony. Veronika Slowikowska also joins the cast. She was recently named to Vulture’s “Comedians You Should and Will Know” list for 2024.
The final two new hires are Tommy Brennan and Jeremy Culhane. Brennan recently performed on The Tonight Show. Culhane has worked on comedy projects for the streaming service Dropout.
Understanding the Major Cast Departures
This influx of new talent follows the exit of four cast members. Heidi Gardner, a fan favorite since 2017, has left the show. She created beloved characters like Angel and Bailey Gismert.
Devon Walker is also departing after joining in 2021. Walker portrayed figures from Frank Ocean to Shannon Sharpe. He described his SNL experience as both rewarding and challenging.
Michael Longfellow and Emil Wakim round out the departures. Longfellow was a standout on the Weekend Update desk. Wakim’s exit comes after just a single season with the program.
Lorne Michaels Engineers a Refresh
Showrunner Lorne Michaels had hinted at changes coming to the show. According to The New York Times, the show has not commented on potential further changes. The reshuffle follows the show’s massive 50th-anniversary celebrations.
Season 50 saw a significant 12 percent jump in viewership. The show also reclaimed its spot as the top-rated broadcast among young adults. Michaels seems to be capitalizing on this momentum with new blood.
James Austin Johnson will return to play Donald Trump. His impression has become a centerpiece of the show’s political comedy.
The new SNL season 51 cast promises fresh faces and new comedic energy. This major shake-up aims to keep the legendary show relevant and funny for years to come.
Info at your fingertips
Who are the new cast members on SNL?
The five new featured players are Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, Veronika Slowikowska, Tommy Brennan, and Jeremy Culhane. They join the show for its 51st season.
Which SNL cast members left the show?
Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, and Emil Wakim will not return for the new season. Their departures were confirmed by NBC last week.
Will any former cast members return?
No announcements have been made regarding former cast returning. The focus is on integrating the five new featured players into the ensemble.
When does SNL season 51 start?
NBC has not yet announced a premiere date for the new season. The show typically returns in early October with a new host and musical guest.
Is Lorne Michaels still the producer?
Yes, Lorne Michaels remains the executive producer and showrunner. He has held this role since creating the show in 1975.
Trusted Sources: The New York Times, NBC, Vulture
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