Amid the cast shake-up at Saturday Night Live, current and former stars are sharing their reactions to the news ahead of season 51.
Last week, it was revealed that Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker and Emil Wakim have exited the long-running NBC sketch comedy series — the most departures since 2022, when eight people left SNL ahead of season 48.
Some of those leaving took to their respective social media accounts to announce their departures, leading other current and former SNL stars to react in the comments.
Longfellow shared on Instagram that he’s leaving after three seasons. Bowen Yang responded to his post, writing, “Jesus WAS Chinese. I love you Michael.” The Wicked actor was referencing Longfellow’s claim during one of his previous Weekend Update segments.
Marcello Hernández also shared, “Love bro, thank you for letting me cfb whenever, my roommate,” to which Longfellow replied, “the ps5, shes yours now brother.”
Wakim added, “Yellow room forever u can play as many bones songs as u want.”
Molly Shannon, who was a castmember on SNL from 1995 to 2001 and returned to host in 2007 and 2023, also commented on Longfellow’s post, “You RULE michael. So honored and happy to have gotten to meet you and work with you. Congratulations on an excellent run on SNL! love talking to you when I was there. Wishing you so much continued success.”
As for Walker, who is also departing the NBC comedy show after three seasons, Chloe Fineman wrote under his post on Instagram, “I’ll miss being your pregnant wife all the time!!!!!” Gardner also commented, “I love you.”
Shannon added, “So nice meeting you Devon! Wishing you so much continued success.”
Wakim, who is exiting SNL after one season, previously shared on social media that it wasn’t his choice to exit the show. Former castmember Punkie Johnson, who left the show last year, responded, “Omg at first glance I thought this was a birthday post… this is really truly surprising… I’m glad you are focusing on the good and are proud of yourself and the work you put in not many people can say they were on SNL and for the 50th in legendary… You a legend baby… Outside ain’t bad. Welcome back.”
Fineman also commented, “Your such a stat and ill miss sitting next to the best dressed man at table read!!!”
Gardner, who was a castmember on SNL for eight seasons, has yet to comment on her departure on social media.
Executive producer Lorne Michaels and castmember Kenan Thompson previously teased that cast changes were likely. It’s unclear if more people are expected to leave the show ahead of the season 51 premiere on Oct. 4.
