Here's Everyone Leaving "SNL" Ahead Of Season 51

Just a week ago, Lorne Michaels revealed ago that he planned to “shake things up” with the Saturday Night Live Season 51 cast — and he wasn’t kidding, because shortly after that, a wave of cast members announced that they would not be returning to the hit sketch comedy show. Here’s a full list of everyone leaving Saturday Night Live this season — at least, everyone we know of so far.

1.Devon Walker

Devon Walker wearing a classic tuxedo with a bolo tie, smiling at an event

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Devon was the first to announce his departure from the show. The announcement came three years after he joined SNL as a featured member and one year after he was promoted to a full-time position. Devon discussed the show’s alleged “dysfunction” and toxic environment in a statement shared on Instagram.

Michael Che and Devon Walker sit behind a news desk on SNL

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It said in part, “Sometimes it was really cool. Sometimes it was toxic as hell. But we did what we made the most of what it was, even amidst all of the dysfunction. We made a fucked up lil family.”

2.Emil Wakim

Emil Wakim in a suit with a tie is smiling at an event with a backdrop featuring "SNL 5" lettering

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Emil announced he was leaving the show just one day after Devon. In a statement, he said, “i won’t be returning to snl next year. it was a gut punch of a call to get but i’m so grateful for my time there.”

Emil Wakim in an office setting talking on a phone, surrounded by others holding cups, suggesting a casual or celebratory event

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Despite spending only one season on the show, Emil called it “the most terrifying, thrilling, and rewarding experience of my life.” “I will miss it dearly,” he shared, “and all the brilliant people that work there that made it feel like a home.”

3.Michael Longfellow

Michael Longfellow wearing a New Jersey Devils cap and jacket over a t shirt smiles at an event

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Michael confirmed on Instagram that he “will not be returning for a 4th season at SNL.” “Wish I was but, so it goes,” he continued. “It was the best three years of my life so far. I feel nothing but gratitude for the experience and everyone there. Lorne, you gave me the greatest job in the world and changed my life. You even put my mom on TV. Thank you doesnt begin to cover it, but thank you.”

Michael Longfellow and Colin Jost on the Weekend Update news set with a world map backdrop, wearing a sweater and suit respectively, appear in conversation or mid-broadcast

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4.Heidi Gardner

Heidi Gardner in pleated, flowing outfit waves, holding a microphone on stage during an event

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After eight seasons, Heidi’s departure was confirmed on Thursday. While Heidi herself has not publicly addressed her exit, multiple outlets, including People and Variety, confirmed she was leaving. BuzzFeed has contacted her reps for further comment.

Heidi Gardner in a stylish suit jacket smiles, posed against a plain background

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Those aren’t the only team members who are leaving SNL, either — two writers also announced they won’t be returning to the show.

Writer Celeste Yim, who was the first-ever out trans writer for the show, revealed on Instagram that they were leaving the SNL after 5 years.

Celeste Yim in a suit and patterned tie

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Writer Rosebud Baker is also leaving the show. NBC Chicago reports that Rosebud shared the news in the comments of an Instagram post about her upcoming tour. When asked if the tour would mean she wouldn’t be coming back to SNL, she reportedly replied, “It does, I’m back out in the streets.” She had spent four seasons writing on the show.

Person with long hair wearing a sheer black top, smiling at a press event with a green and yellow backdrop