The SNL Season 51 Cast: Who's In, Who's Out, And The Shocking Exit Of Two Veteran Stars
The landscape of Saturday Night Live has undergone its most dramatic transformation in years with the start of Season 51, which premiered in the Fall of 2025. This latest iteration of the iconic sketch comedy show features a mix of seasoned veterans, rising stars, and five brand-new faces, all aiming to capture the zeitgeist of the current moment. The buzz surrounding this season, however, is dominated by a major cast shakeup that saw several beloved, long-time performers depart from Studio 8H, leaving fans both stunned and curious about the future of the show.
As of December 23, 2025, the new cast roster is officially set, confirming who is returning to the hallowed halls of 30 Rockefeller Plaza and who has moved on to new ventures. The mass exodus of talent, including two of the show's most reliable repertory players, has paved the way for a fresh wave of comedic energy. This article provides the definitive, up-to-the-minute guide to the full *SNL* Season 51 cast, breaking down the returning legends, the new additions, and the surprising names who will not be back.
SNL Season 51: The Complete Cast Roster (2025-2026)
The 51st season of *Saturday Night Live* maintains a large ensemble, divided into two tiers: Repertory Players (the established, full-time cast members) and Featured Players (the newcomers who are typically on a one-year contract before a potential promotion). The cast is anchored by the show's longest-serving member and the core of the "Weekend Update" desk.
Repertory Players (The Veterans)
These are the established stars who have become the backbone of the show. Note the continued presence of Kenan Thompson, who is now in his 23rd season, solidifying his record as the longest-tenured *SNL* cast member in history.
- Kenan Thompson: The veteran anchor and impressionist.
- Colin Jost: Co-Anchor of "Weekend Update" and Co-Head Writer.
- Michael Che: Co-Anchor of "Weekend Update" and Co-Head Writer.
- Mikey Day: A versatile performer known for his celebrity impressions.
- Bowen Yang: An Emmy-nominated star known for his unique characters and cultural commentary.
- Chloe Fineman: Master impressionist, celebrated for her spot-on celebrity parodies.
- James Austin Johnson: The show's primary political impressionist, known for his eerily accurate Donald Trump.
- Sarah Sherman: Known for her chaotic, high-energy, and often bizarre style of comedy.
- Andrew Dismukes: Promoted from Featured Player, known for his quirky, deadpan characters.
- Marcello Hernández: Promoted from Featured Player, hailed as a breakout star of the previous season.
Featured Players (The New Talent)
The Featured Players represent the new blood of the show. Season 51 sees five new additions, which is a significant influx of talent following the cast departures. This group is eager to prove themselves and earn a spot as a Repertory Player next season.
- Tommy Brennan
- Jeremy Culhane
- Ben Marshall: A member of the popular comedy trio Please Don't Destroy.
- Kam Patterson
- Veronika Slowikowska
The Shocking Season 51 Exodus: Who Left SNL?
The most talked-about change for *SNL*'s 51st season is the surprising departure of several key players. While cast exits are a yearly tradition, the scale and timing of this particular shakeup caught many fans off guard. The exits of two veteran repertory players, in particular, mark a significant shift in the show's dynamic.
The following cast members will not be returning for *Saturday Night Live* Season 51:
- Heidi Gardner: A fan-favorite who was with the show for eight seasons. Gardner was known for her hilarious characters like "Angel," a confident woman who has only been on one date, and her sharp impressions. Her exit, following seven years as a Repertory Player, was one of the most emotional for fans.
- Ego Nwodim: After seven seasons, Nwodim's departure was also a major blow. She was a powerhouse in sketches, famous for her characters like the passive-aggressive "Lisa from Temecula" and her incredible versatility.
- Michael Longfellow: Joined in Season 48, Longfellow was a rising star known for his stand-up-style "Weekend Update" segments.
- Devon Walker: Another Featured Player who joined in Season 48, Walker's departure was confirmed shortly before the new season's premiere.
- Emil Wakim: A Featured Player who spent one season on the show.
The departures of Gardner and Nwodim, who were both integral to the female ensemble and often carried major sketches, create large voids that the new cast members will be tasked with filling. Their exits, along with the others, signal a significant restructuring by creator Lorne Michaels, aiming to inject new energy into the long-running series.
Meet the New Faces: The Season 51 Featured Players
The five new Featured Players are a crucial element of the Season 51 ensemble. They bring diverse comedy backgrounds, from stand-up to digital sketch comedy, promising a fresh comedic voice for the show. The process of integrating new talent is always a highlight of a new *SNL* season, and fans are eager to see who will become the next breakout star.
Ben Marshall (The Digital Star)
Marshall is perhaps the most recognizable name among the new hires due to his involvement with the viral comedy trio Please Don't Destroy (PDD). The group, which also includes Martin Herlihy and John Higgins, gained massive popularity for their digital shorts that often featured celebrity cameos and absurdist humor. While the PDD trio itself has been a fixture on *SNL* digital shorts, Marshall's promotion to a Featured Player means he will now be performing live in sketches, a new challenge for the digital star.
Jeremy Culhane (The Sketch and Improv Specialist)
Culhane comes to *SNL* with a strong background in improv and sketch comedy. He is notably associated with the popular comedy platform Dropout, where he has showcased his talents in various original series. His transition to *SNL* is expected to bring a polished, high-energy sketch performance style to the main stage.
Kam Patterson (The Stand-Up Comedian)
Kam Patterson is a rising star in the world of stand-up comedy. His addition to the cast follows the *SNL* tradition of recruiting comedians with a strong, established stage presence and unique point of view. Patterson's style is often characterized by his laid-back delivery and observational humor, which will undoubtedly translate well into "Weekend Update" segments and character work.
Tommy Brennan and Veronika Slowikowska
Tommy Brennan and Veronika Slowikowska round out the new featured players, both bringing fresh perspectives to the show. Brennan has a background in writing and performing, while Slowikowska is known for her unique character work and comedic timing. These new additions underscore *SNL*'s commitment to finding talent from every corner of the comedy world, ensuring the show remains a vibrant and essential part of the American comedy landscape for years to come.
The Future of SNL: Topical Authority and Longevity
The Season 51 cast is a clear statement that *Saturday Night Live* is not resting on its laurels. By promoting rising stars like Andrew Dismukes and Marcello Hernández to Repertory Players and bringing in five distinct new voices, the show is actively managing its topical authority and securing its future. The veteran presence of Kenan Thompson, Colin Jost, and Michael Che provides essential continuity, especially in the crucial Weekend Update segment, while the new blood ensures the show stays current with emerging comedic trends and internet humor, particularly with the inclusion of digital stars like Marshall.
The transition is a testament to the show's model of constant renewal. Each departure creates an opportunity, and the new cast members are now in the spotlight, ready to deliver the next iconic *SNL* characters and sketches that define the cultural conversation. Fans can expect a season marked by bold new choices, fresh perspectives, and a dynamic energy that honors the show's five-decade legacy while forging its path forward.
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