NBC’s Saturday Night Live (SNL) is heading into its 51st season, premiering on October 4, 2025, and fans are already buzzing about the major shake-ups. From longtime favorites exiting to new cast members joining, Season 51 is shaping up to be one of the most transformative years for the iconic sketch comedy show.
SNL Cast Members Season 51: Who’s In and Who’s Out
Major Exits in 2025
Several SNL cast exits 2025 have already been confirmed:
- Heidi Gardner – Leaving after 8 seasons (2017–2025). Known for standout characters and celebrity impressions.
- Michael Longfellow – Exiting after 3 seasons, including a promotion to full cast status in Season 50.
- Emil Wakim – Departing after just one season.
- Devon Walker – Leaving after 3 seasons, describing the show as “toxic as hell” but grateful for the experience.
Writers Departing
- Celeste Yim – The first openly nonbinary writer on SNL, exiting after 5 seasons.
- Rosebud Baker – Leaving the writing staff after 3 years to focus on her stand-up tour.
Saturday Night Live Cast Season 51: Confirmed Returning Cast
While the full snl season 51 cast list hasn’t been released yet, one big name is confirmed:
- James Austin Johnson – Returning, best known for his Donald Trump impression and versatile character work.
Lorne Michaels has confirmed more SNL season 51 returning cast announcements will follow soon.
SNL Season 51 Cast Changes and Lineup
- SNL Season 51 cast changes are among the most significant in recent years.
- Longtime veterans are departing, opening space for SNL season 51 new cast members and featured players.
- Lorne Michaels has emphasized that this season will be about “reinvention,” promising fresh energy and a new balance in the ensemble.
SNL 2025 Cast Members: Male and Female Breakdown
The final SNL 2025 cast members will include both veterans and newcomers. Based on the pattern of past seasons, we can expect:
- SNL cast season 51 male actors: James Austin Johnson confirmed, with additional announcements pending.
- SNL cast season 51 female comedians: Names yet to be revealed, expected to fill the gap left by Heidi Gardner’s departure.
SNL Season 51 Featured Players
- New SNL featured players season 51 list is expected soon, bringing young talent into the spotlight.
- Featured players often graduate to full-time cast members, making this list one to watch for breakout stars.
SNL Season 51 Hosts and Cast
- NBC has confirmed the SNL Season 51 premiere for October 4, 2025 at 11:30 PM ET.
- Streaming will be available on Peacock.
- Hosts and musical guest lineups will be announced closer to the premiere date.
FAQs on SNL Season 51 Cast
Q1. Who left SNL Season 51?
A1. Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Emil Wakim, and Devon Walker have exited, along with writers Celeste Yim and Rosebud Baker.
Q2. Who is confirmed in the SNL current cast 2025?
A2. James Austin Johnson is confirmed to return, with more names expected soon.
Q3. Are there any new SNL Season 51 cast members?
A3. Yes, Lorne Michaels has hinted at new additions, though official names have not yet been revealed.
Q4. When does SNL Season 51 premiere?
A4. The show returns on October 4, 2025, airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock.
Q5. Who are the SNL featured players in Season 51?
A5. The new featured players list will be announced by NBC ahead of the premiere.
Q6. Will SNL Season 51 have more female comedians?
A6. With Heidi Gardner’s departure, it’s expected new female talent will join the lineup.
Final Thoughts
The Saturday Night Live cast Season 51 is undergoing a major transformation. With fan-favorites like Heidi Gardner leaving, new featured players stepping in, and James Austin Johnson leading the SNL current cast 2025, audiences can expect a season of reinvention. Lorne Michaels’ promise of fresh talent and new energy means Season 51 could become one of the most exciting chapters in SNL’s long history.