Some fans are noticing a shift in the dynamics of Saturday Night Live (SNL) with the recent cast changes. This evolution, however, does not necessarily reflect a decline in the fifty-year-old comedy show’s popularity. Despite this, NBC has decided to part ways with some staff, a move that is sure to reshape the show’s future.
Several of the show’s top stars have been shown the way to the Stage #2 exit door. NBC cordially told four cast members to ‘Exit this way, please.’ And, please don’t come back! It was either you leave or get fired due to your lack of attraction.
Devon Walker, one of the four comedians who NBC let go, was allowed to say that he decided to leave the show voluntarily. The thirty-four-year-old Walker announced that his exit from Saturday Night Live was a mutual decision. NBC designed this move as a testament to the show’s healthy internal dynamics. However, some staffers have complained that the internal workings of he show are more like a boot camp.
On August 25, Walker told Rolling Stone magazine, “We decided together that it was time to go our separate ways.” Sure, it was either you leave or get fired. Who wants to walk away from a good job to go back and churn Milk Powder? Cut it out, will you? Walker has been with SNL for three seasons and will not return for the 51st season.
Michael Lonfellow, 3-year Alum, is Also Out.
Michael Longfellow, a three-year alum, was more forthcoming about his departure from SNL. Lonfellow went to social media to post his true feelings about leaving the show.
“Will not be returning for a 4th season at SNL. I wish I were, but so it goes. 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 most fantastic job in the world and changed my life.
You even put my mom on TV. Thank you doesn’t begin to cover it, but thank you.
I’ll miss it all, but I’ll miss the friends I made and seeing them every day the most.
Excited for the future and things to come. If you take anything away from my time on SNL, let it be that smoking makes you skinny and popular, Jesus was Chinese, and if a tortoise ever gives you trouble, just kill him, tough guy. You won’t,” he wrote.
Emil Wakim, Fired After One Episode.
Reports of comedian Emil Wakim from Saturday Night Live, after just one season, hit some of his fans hard. Wakim was forthcoming about his firing from SNL as well. There was no pride before destruction babbling.
- >A “gut punch” call:Â On August 27, 2025, Wakim posted on Instagram, stating that the phone call was a “gut punch,” but he was grateful for his time there.
- The context of the exit:Â The firing followed a signal from executive producer Lorne Michaels that he intended to “shake things up” for Season 51.
- One-season run:Â Wakim had joined the show as a featured player for its 50th season in September 2024.
Heidi Gardner is out after eight years.
Heidi Gardner, who was the longest-serving veteran of the four cast members that NBC let go, has left after eight years of dedicated service.
Heidi Gariner was the last of the Four Musketeers, whose departure from SNL left the public in shock. NBC announced that it would not renew Gardiner’s contract for season 51. According to the New York Post, an insider snitch told them, “It’s time for a new cast.”
The 42-year-old Gardiner, who was a significant part of the show for the last eight years, now has exciting opportunities lined up. For instance, she appears in recent commercials for Homes.com. She’s often seen alongside Dan Levy and starring in their 2025 Super Bowl spots.
She also has a partnership with Buffalo Wild Wings, appearing in ads for their “Pick 6” deal alongside rapper Lil Dicky. She previously starred in a commercial for MoneyLion.
She also has a partnership with Buffalo Wild Wings, appearing in ads for their “Pick 6” deal alongside rapper Lil Dicky. She previously starred in a commercial for MoneyLion.
