Saturday Night Live’s momentous 50th season is over, but there are more episodes of the sketch comedy show coming soon.
There’s no new episode of “Saturday Night Live” on tonight, Saturday, Sept. 13. Season 51 of “SNL” premieres on Saturday, Oct. 4. The host and musical guest for the premiere have not been announced yet, although some fans have speculated that Taylor Swift might appear on the season premiere.
The “SNL” cast has seen a dramatic shakeup ahead of season 51. Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, Michael Longfellow, Heidi Gardner, and Ego Nwodim are all leaving the cast.
Nwodim, who joined “SNL” for season 44 in 2018, is the latest departure announcement. She shared the news via Instagram on Friday, Sept. 12.
“The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight. But after seven unforgettable seasons, I have decided to leave SNL,” Nwodim wrote. “I am immensely grateful to [’SNL’ creator] Lorne [Michaels] for the opportunity, to my castmates, the writers, and the crew for their brilliance, support, and friendship. Week after week on that stage taught me more than I could have ever imagined, and I will carry those memories (and that laughter) with me always. Now invite me to your weddings please!!!”
Five new cast members are coming onboard in the wake of the departures. Veronika Slowikowska, Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, and Ben Marshall will all make their debut as featured players during season 51.
Marshall previously appeared on the show as a member of Please Don’t Destroy, which has been producing digital shorts for “SNL” since 2021. The comedy group — which consists of Marshall, Martin Herlihy, and John Higgins — will not be making videos for season 51. Herlihy is staying on as a writer, and Higgins is leaving “SNL” to pursue other opportunities.
READ MORE: ‘SNL’ alum says the show’s firing process lacks ‘humanity’
“Thank you to everyone who made my time there so special, it made this decision that much harder,” Higgins wrote via Instagram.
As of this writing, Michael Che, Mikey Day, Andrew Dismukes, Chloe Fineman, Marcello Hernández, James Austin Johnson, Colin Jost, Sarah Sherman, Kenan Thompson, Bowen Yang, Ashley Padilla, and Jane Wickline are all expected to return for season 51.
Season 51 of “Saturday Night Live” premieres on NBC on Saturday, October 4. Past episodes are available to stream on Peacock.
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