Michael Longfellow is exiting Saturday Night Live after three seasons, with the news marking another shakeup as the show heads toward Season 51. Longfellow joined the NBC sketch program in Season 48 as a featured player and became known for his appearances on Weekend Update, delivering jokes on topics such as Real ID and TikTok. In addition to his SNL work, the touring comedian appeared in the film Good Burger 2. Reports of his departure follow a late-May screen test he reportedly undertook to host a Weekend Update segment.
The departure comes hot on the heels of another cast member news: Emil Wakim announced on Aug. 27 via Instagram that he is leaving the show. Wakim joined SNL in 2024 as part of Season 50 and has described his experience as “the most terrifying, thrilling, and rewarding experience of my life.” Earlier in the year, Wakim also appeared in a December cold open riffing on a lookalike of a real-world figure connected to a high-profile case, a sketch that reflected the internet’s fascination with appearances.
Longfellow’s exit adds to a broader wave of changes surrounding Season 51. SNL creator Lorne Michaels indicated in a recent interview that several current cast members would be departing before the next season, while confirming that James Austin Johnson would return to continue his Trump impressions. The broader reshuffle includes earlier announcements that Kearney, Punkie Johnson and Chloe Troast would not be returning, with Jane Wickline, Ashley Padilla and Emil Wakim set to join the cast for the upcoming season.
The departures extend beyond on-camera talent. Devon Walker, another new-era cast member who joined in 2022, confirmed he would be leaving prior to Season 51. In an Instagram post, Walker described the run as a mix of highs and frustrations, noting that “we did what we could with what it was.” Walker is known for his standup background and for his impressions on the show, including figures such as Michael Strahan.
Two writers also announced their exits. Rosebud Baker, a Weekend Update writer since 2022, confirmed she would not be returning for the next season. Celeste Yim, who joined SNL five seasons ago and was credited as the first openly out trans writer for the show, announced her departure as well, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and reflecting on the demanding nature of the job.
As with many SNL season transitions, the changes signal the show’s ongoing evolution. The roster turnover invites fresh perspectives and new talents to emerge, helping SNL stay aligned with contemporary audiences while continuing its tradition of launching notable careers. The departures also underscore the show’s commitment to refreshing its comedic voice and maintaining relevance in a rapidly changing media landscape.
What’s next for viewers is to watch for new casting announcements and the upcoming host lineup as Season 51 begins to take shape. For Longfellow, Wakim and the other departing members, the move marks the next chapter in their careers, with the longtime platform of SNL serving as a notable milestone in their professional journeys.
Summary: Michael Longfellow’s exit from SNL after three seasons joins a broader wave of cast and writer departures ahead of Season 51, including Emil Wakim, Devon Walker, Rosebud Baker, and Celeste Yim. The show’s leadership indicated continued plans to bring in new talent while keeping familiar faces like James Austin Johnson in place, signaling ongoing renewal and evolution for SNL’s iconic lineup. A hopeful note: the departures open doors for fresh voices and perspectives to shape the show’s future.