In 2025, several SNL cast members are leaving, including Punkie Johnson, Molly Kearney, and Chloe Troast, with rumors of Colin Jost retiring after 20 years. Meanwhile, new talent is joining the show, and some featured players are being promoted, bringing fresh energy. Veteran cast members like Kenan Thompson continue, but major shifts are happening. Stay tuned to discover all the exciting changes happening behind the scenes this season.
Key Takeaways
- Punkie Johnson and Molly Kearney are departing in 2024; Chloe Troast’s exit is also expected.
- Rumors suggest Colin Jost may leave after 20 years, potentially after season 50.
- Several full-time cast members are returning, with some promoted from featured players, including Emil Wakim.
- New featured players, like Ashley Padilla and an unnamed recruit, are joining to bring fresh energy.
- Veteran cast members such as Kenan Thompson hint at upcoming changes, indicating ongoing cast transitions.
As Saturday Night Live prepares for its 51st season, significant cast changes are underway that will shape the show’s dynamic. You’ll notice some familiar faces saying goodbye, while new talent steps into the spotlight. Punkie Johnson, after four years on the show, exited mid-2024, leaving a noticeable void in the cast. Molly Kearney, who joined as a featured player two seasons ago, also departed, along with Chloe Troast, who was only part of the cast for a single season in 2024. Rumors swirl that Colin Jost may be leaving after 20 years on SNL and a long run as the Weekend Update co-anchor, though nothing’s official yet. Many insiders believe he might bid farewell after season 50, especially if the rumors hold true. Additionally, Kenan Thompson has hinted at a “lot of change” for season 51, suggesting more departures could be on the horizon.
Despite these changes, you’ll still see stability with 11 full-time cast members returning from season 50. Three featured players from the previous season were promoted, and that likely continues into 2025. Emil Wakim, promoted to repertory status for season 50, is expected to stay on, particularly since his stand-up tours through August keep him active outside the show. Jane Wickline, who gained recognition with a solo “Weekend Update” segment, is viewed as a promising new face, and Sarah Sherman, a repertory member since 2023, remains committed to the show’s future. Furthermore, the show continues to prioritize diversity and inclusion in its casting decisions, reflecting broader cultural trends. This focus on diverse casting aligns with the evolving landscape of entertainment and audience expectations.
Despite cast changes, 11 full-time members return, with promoted featured players like Emil Wakim and promising new faces like Jane Wickline.
New featured players continue to join, with Ashley Padilla and Emil Wakim being the most prominent additions announced around season 50. Ashley Padilla has already made an impression with appearances on “Weekend Update,” signaling she might take on a bigger role soon. Another unnamed new featured player joined in 2024, adding diversity and fresh comedic styles to the cast. These newcomers are expected to bring new energy and perspectives, helping to refresh the show’s overall tone. Meanwhile, veteran cast members like Kenan Thompson remain central, though they acknowledge the inevitable wave of change. Colin Jost’s potential exit, along with rumors about Michael Che, Bowen Yang, and Andrew Dismukes, hints at a significant reshuffling, but Lorne Michaels still aims for stability amid the transitions.
Guest appearances by alumni such as Maya Rudolph, Bill Murray, and Dana Carvey continue to excite fans, and Rudolph’s ongoing role as Kamala Harris through the 2024 election cycle adds extra layers of anticipation. Some cast members, like Bowen Yang, feel underutilized despite their promotions, but they’re expected to stay on as SNL navigates these shifts. You’ll see some members tested in new sketches and “Weekend Update” segments, helping producers decide who’s ready for a longer tenure. Meanwhile, members touring stand-up acts stay professionally active, balancing their comedy careers with their SNL commitments. Overall, the cast changes signal a mix of farewell and opportunity, setting the stage for a fresh, evolving season. The show’s focus remains on balancing tradition with innovation to keep audiences engaged. This approach ensures the show stays relevant and continues to appeal to a broad and diverse viewer base.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Major Cast Shake-Ups in 2025?
You’re curious about major cast shake-ups in 2025. Currently, the show faces significant changes, with several cast members leaving, including longtime stars and featured players. New talent joins to fill gaps, and there’s talk of a major reshuffle. With Kenan Thompson hinting at “a lot of change,” you can expect fresh faces and some familiar ones. The show’s leadership aims to keep it lively and relevant through these exciting shifts.
How Will New Cast Members Impact the Show’s Dynamics?
Imagine you’re stepping into SNL’s studio as a new cast member. Your fresh ideas will shake up the show’s dynamics, bringing diverse humor and perspectives. While veterans like Kenan Thompson provide stability, new talent helps evolve the show’s comedic style. You’ll find that integrating into the team takes time, but your unique voice can influence sketches and energize the audience, shaping the show’s future in exciting ways.
Which Veteran Members Are Retiring This Season?
You’re wondering which veteran members are retiring this season. Punkie Johnson and Molly Kearney are leaving after several seasons, while Stephen “Demo” DeMaria retires after 50 years behind the scenes. Kenan Thompson stays on, but rumors suggest Colin Jost might be stepping back. Michael Che and Heidi Gardner’s futures are uncertain. Overall, expect significant changes, but some long-serving members like Kenan remain, shaping the show’s future.
Will Any Cast Members Be Returning After Leaving?
You’re wondering if any cast members might come back after leaving. The show’s history hints at surprises—you never know when a beloved face could return for a special episode or milestone. Long-standing members like Colin Jost and Michael Che keep fans guessing, and past stars often pop up unexpectedly. With SNL’s tradition of alumni appearances, there’s always a chance someone could rejoin the cast or guest star, keeping the show fresh and exciting.
How Do the Changes Compare to Previous Seasons?
You notice that cast changes are common each season, and this season isn’t an exception. Compared to previous seasons, especially the milestone 50th, there’s more turnover now, with some long-standing members leaving and new faces coming in. These shifts aim to keep the show fresh creatively, much like before. While some seasons saw more stability, recent changes reflect SNL’s ongoing effort to evolve and stay relevant.
Conclusion
As you follow the SNL 2025 cast updates, you’ll notice a fresh mix of departing and new members shaping the show’s future. notably, over 60% of the cast has changed since 2020, highlighting how dynamic the lineup truly is. This constant evolution keeps the show exciting and unpredictable. Stay tuned, because with each season, you get to see new talent emerge and old favorites make way for fresh faces, ensuring SNL remains a staple of comedy.
