SNL Season 51 Cast Announced After Multiple Exits

NBC’s Saturday Night Live (SNL) has announced its return for its 51st season, along with its confirmed cast members. While most of the performers are returning, several fan favorites are leaving the show or moving to other departments.

Here are the details on the cast for SNL Season 51.

Everyone in SNL Season 51’s cast lineup

SNL is one of the longest-running shows on the network.

Premiering in 1975, the series has since featured hundreds of incredible performers across genres that fans have embraced every year. For those unfamiliar, the show brings together actors, comedians, and other artists to perform skits. The studio also invites celebrities to host. While some parts of the show are aired live, segments like short films are pre-recorded. The invited celebrity also participates in live sketches before a studio audience.

So, how does the cast lineup look this season? Take a look.

SNL’s long-associated actor Kenan Thompson is returning for his 23rd season. He will be joined by Bowen Yang, Ego Nwodim, and Chloe Fineman from previous seasons. The fan-favorite segment Weekend Update will once again feature Colin Jost and Michael Che, marking their 12th season together.

Mikey Day, Marcello Hernández, Andrew Dismukes, Sarah Sherman, and James Austin Johnson are also returning. Additionally, Ashley Padilla and Jane Wickline are back for their second year.

The 51st season also sees many fan favorites leaving the show. Heidi Gardner, who spent eight years on the series, has departed, along with newer cast members Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, and Emil Wakim.

Additionally, the sketch comedy trio Please Don’t Destroy has been dismantled. Martin Herlihy will now work exclusively as a writer, John Higgins is leaving the show, and Ben Marshall has been promoted to the main cast.

This year’s season is set to air on October 4, 2025.