Saturday Night Live is gearing up for a big shake-up, and it’s hitting the cast hard.
After a string of high-profile exits, fans are learning that Michael Longfellow will be leaving the iconic sketch comedy series after just three seasons.
The news comes hot on the heels of departures from Emil Wakim and Devon Walker, signaling major changes as the show heads into its 51st season.
Michael Longfellow Steps Away After Three Seasons
Michael Longfellow, 31, joined SNL as a featured player in season 48 and quickly made a name for himself with his appearances on Weekend Update.
Known for his sharp humor and memorable sketches, Longfellow’s exit marks another turning point for the series.
Representatives for NBC have not yet responded to requests for comment.
Emil Wakim Announces Emotional Farewell
Earlier this week, Emil Wakim, 27, confirmed he would not be returning to SNL.
Posting on Instagram, Wakim shared snapshots of memorable moments from his time at Studio 8H in New York’s Rockefeller Plaza, describing his departure as a “gut punch” but expressing deep gratitude for the experience.
Wakim’s tenure began in 2024 during the show’s milestone 50th season.
The Chicago-born comedian, who studied at Indiana University Bloomington, holds the distinction of being SNL’s first cast member of Lebanese heritage.
His post included candid behind-the-scenes photos, from working the Weekend Update desk with Colin Jost and Michael Che to playful interactions with a live llama brought onto the show.
Wakim reflected, “Every time I scanned into the building I would think how insane it is to get to work there.
It was the most terrifying, thrilling, and rewarding experience of my life, and I will miss it dearly.”
Fellow comedians and former SNL stars quickly flooded his comments with support, praising his talent and impact.
Devon Walker Reflects on a Rocky Romance with SNL
Devon Walker, 34, also confirmed his departure via Instagram, describing his three-year stint at SNL as a mixture of highs and lows.
The Texas native likened the experience to “a bunch of little marriages,” some lasting longer than others.
While he acknowledged that parts of the job could be “toxic,” Walker emphasized the friendships and camaraderie he gained along the way.
Walker, who started as a featured player in season 48 and became a main cast member by 2024, became a standout on Weekend Update, impressing audiences with impressions of figures like Michael Strahan, Van Jones, and NYC Mayor Eric Adams.
He ended his farewell with a surprising twist: “Anyway, I’m bout to go to Japan.
When I get back I’m tryna be in a prestige drama. Ideally something with Julianne Moore.”
Lorne Michaels Teases Big Changes
Series creator and longtime showrunner Lorne Michaels has been preparing fans for major cast adjustments ahead of SNL’s next season.
Speaking about the upcoming changes, Michaels admitted the pressure to reinvent the show is real, promising announcements soon.
Despite the departures, SNL remains anchored by familiar faces like Colin Jost, Bowen Yang, and Kenan Thompson.
Season 51 is set to premiere on Saturday, October 4, at 11:30 PM ET on NBC and Peacock, after a summer break since May 17.
The Evolving Landscape of Late-Night TV
Michaels also weighed in on the broader late-night scene, including CBS ending Stephen Colbert’s Late Show next year after a $40 million annual loss.
He reflected on the challenges of serving two audiences — one watching traditional TV, the other streaming on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
“Both Seth [Meyers] and [Stephen] Colbert are heirs to David Letterman. Conan [O’Brien] as well.
They’re going to be doing that type of show, just as I’m still doing SNL, as if everybody’s watching that night.
But Jimmy [Fallon] does a lot of stuff that you can watch all day,” Michaels explained, highlighting the shifting dynamics of late-night comedy.
