Which ‘SNL’ Cast Members Are Leaving Before Season 50?

Saturday Night Live is gearing up for its 50th season on air, promising a slew of comedy specials alongside significant cast changes.

Earlier this week, cast member Punkie Johnson revealed during a stand-up show that she would not return for the upcoming 50th season. She addressed the news on Instagram, saying, “I just want to let you know after four seasons, I will not be returning to SNL for the 50th.” In the caption, she added, “SNL I LOVE YOU … LOOKING FORWARD TO WHATS NEXT!!!” Johnson emphasized there’s “no bad blood, no bridges burned, no hard feelings” following her departure. Johnson joined SNL as a featured player in 2020 and was promoted to the main cast last year.

Today, Molly Kearny, the show’s first nonbinary cast member, also announced their departure. “Reflecting on the amazing 2 seasons I got on this show, it was such a dream come true. So incredibly grateful for this period in my life. So much love to all my big-hearted buddies behind the scenes who make the magic happen every week. So many bald caps, so little time. It was a true honor to work with such a talented group of writers and DON’T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THE CAST,” Kearny wrote on Instagram.

Kearny joined the show in season 48 alongside Michael Longfellow, Marcello Hernandez, and Devon Walker. It remains unclear if Longfellow, Hernandez, and Walker will return for season 50. The rest of the season 49 cast includes Michael Che, Mikey Day, Andrew Dismukes, Chloe Fineman, Heidi Gardner, James Austin Johnson, Ego Nwodim, Sarah Sherman, Kenan Thompson, Bowen Yang, and Colin Jost, who is reportedly dealing with a foot infection while reporting on the Olympics. No new cast members have been announced yet.

Apart from the regular season, which is set to premiere on September 28, the 50th-anniversary special will air on Sunday, February 16, 2025. Interestingly, the Saturday Night Live special will air on a Sunday.

Source: Deadline