Heidi Gardner and Ego Nwodim recently shared their insights into the unique work culture at “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) following their departures from the iconic show. In a heartfelt discussion on Nwodim’s “Thanks Dad” podcast, the duo opened up about the deep connections formed through their collaborative efforts in writing and rehearsing skits for the late-night staple, as well as the inherent challenges of working in such an intense environment.
Nwodim highlighted the intimate nature of their experience, elaborating on how spending extensive time together can either foster strong bonds or lead to tensions among cast members. “To have to share such an intimate space together for hours on end, yeah, it made us close quick,” she said, noting that while these conditions could create camaraderie, they could also result in conflicts. Despite this, both women expressed gratitude for the close friendship they cultivated during their time on the show, emphasizing that they worked consciously to nurture their relationship amid the competitive atmosphere.
Gardner echoed this sentiment, recognizing the importance of their friendship, stating, “I just mean we’re human, so we have egos, we want things for ourselves, we want to succeed.” She admired how their bonds remained intact even when their personal ambitions did not always align perfectly.
In discussing the intensity of the SNL work environment, Nwodim reflected on the struggle to feel a sense of shared success among the cast, which can make the experience challenging at times. However, she celebrated Gardner, calling her “such a light in what can be such a challenging place,” and praised her ability to remain generous in spirit despite the competition.
Both Gardner and Nwodim left SNL amid significant cast shakeups ahead of Season 51. Gardner announced her exit on August 28 after an impressive eight seasons, while Nwodim departed a couple of weeks later after her seventh season. The show has seen several changes, with other familiar faces like Devon Walker and Emil Wakim also leaving, while new additions have been made to the cast and writing staff.
Their candid conversation serves as a reminder that even in high-pressure environments like SNL, strong personal relationships can flourish, helping individuals navigate the complexities of such demanding artistic settings.