New ‘SNL’ Season 51 Cast Members Revealed After Recent Departures

“Saturday Night Live” is mixing things up for its upcoming 51st season! After a successful 50th season filled with celebrations and award nominations, the show is introducing five new cast members. It’s an exciting time of change for the iconic series.

The newcomers include Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska. Each brings a unique style to the show, from stand-up comedy to viral social media content. Marshall, in particular, is already familiar to audiences as part of the comedy trio Please Don’t Destroy.

But with the new faces come some departures. Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, and Emil Wakim have all announced they will not be returning. Gardner, known for her original characters like Angel and Every Boxer’s Girlfriend, leaves after eight seasons. Longfellow, who wowed fans with his appearances on Weekend Update, departs after three seasons.

Walker, who brought impressions of figures like Mayor Eric Adams to life, shared his departure on Instagram, comparing his time on the show to a complex relationship. And Wakim, though only on for one season, made a lasting impression with his topical monologues.

It’s a bittersweet goodbye for these talented performers, but as “SNL” has shown in past seasons, change is a natural part of the show’s evolution. With each new season comes new voices, new perspectives, and new laughs. The 51st season is set to premiere on Oct. 4, so mark your calendars and get ready for another round of iconic “Saturday Night Live” moments.