Stars Not Returning for ‘SNL’ Season 51

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As a devoted fan, I eagerly anticipate the upcoming premier of ‘Saturday Night Live’s’ new season on NBC. With each passing day, the excitement builds as we hear about the fresh lineup and emotional farewells that come with it. The countdown to October is filled with announcements from performers who’ve reached their final bows after the historic 50th season, paving the way for new talents at Studio 8H. At the same time, we bid a fond farewell to those who have been instrumental in shaping the show over the recent years, as they close one chapter and prepare to write another.

For each departure, information is provided regarding its source – be it through social media posts or interviews. Gratitude towards the crew and cast is a common theme. This section will disclose who is leaving the show, detailing their role and contributions, as well as upcoming projects and credits that shed light on their future plans and how this series fits into their broader career trajectory.

Heidi Gardner

After spending eight seasons on the show, which started during season forty-three and eventually led to her being part of the primary cast, Heidi Gardner is moving on. On this program, she frequently appeared in recurring skits and even developed characters like Bailey Gismert and Angel. Her range as an impressionist extended from Jill Biden to Kim Kardashian. Furthermore, she played a significant role in the widely popular ‘Beavis and Butt-Head’ classroom sketch that gained traction well beyond the usual audience of the series.

In my role as an observer, I’ve been expanding my on-screen portfolio, featuring in shows like ‘Shrinking’, ‘Girls5eva’ on streaming platforms, the Adam Sandler film ‘Hustle’, and making a guest appearance on ‘You’. My time with The Groundlings before joining the series and my regular appearances on ‘Weekend Update’ have made me quite visible among the performers over the last few seasons. As I move on, this paves the way for newer cast members to seize more opportunities and showcase their talents.

Michael Longfellow

Michael Longfellow concludes his three-season tenure, which commenced in season 48. Initially, he was a main cast member, and he advanced to the recurring role for season 50. Audiences became familiar with him through concise segments at the ‘Weekend Update’ desk and humorous sketches that showcased his dry humor, establishing him as a versatile player in various live performances.

He’s still performing as a stand-up comedian and has recently been seen in ‘Good Burger 2’. His journey to the show involved performing at festivals, making appearances on late night shows, and his time on the series expanded his live comedy and character work. Now that he’s moved away from the ensemble, he’s focusing more on upcoming stand-up performances and screen roles he developed during his breaks.

Devon Walker

Devon Walker leaves the show following three seasons, starting with its forty-eighth season. Throughout his tenure, he worked on various sketches and wrote material that collaborated him with several cast members. For the past two years, he occasionally appeared at the ‘Weekend Update’ desk for brief performances. In his announcement, he expressed gratitude to the crew and described his experience as both intense and shaping, a sentiment often shared by performers juggling writing sessions and live performance weeks.

His upcoming comedy schedule is quite busy, and he’s been working on scriptwriting and improving jokes outside of the series. Prior to his employment, he had experience with festival runs and writing room credits, and his departure coincides with new touring plans and a desire for roles in film beyond sketch comedy. When the show resumes, there’s likely to be a new featured player taking over his spot.

Emil Wakim

Emil Wakim concluded his one-year stint with the show following the fiftieth season. He took on significant roles both in front of and behind the camera during this time, contributing to sketch development as well. His departure seems to indicate that his contract was not extended, a common occurrence for first-year players when a series reevaluates its cast after a major anniversary season.

Prior to becoming a part of the series, I had established myself by creating a profile through club circuits and festival appearances, which ultimately granted me national exposure, frequently leading to specials and opening acts on prominent tours. During my single season, I was given stage time across several live episodes and table reads, all of which honed my writing skills and expanded my professional experience. These experiences often pave the way for new opportunities in stand-up comedy and television development.

Celeste Yim

As a movie reviewer,

In a surprise move, Celeste Yim won’t be back for Season 51 of Saturday Night Live after spending five seasons as part of the writing staff. Joining the show in 2020, they rose through the ranks to become the writing supervisor during season 48’s latter half in 2023. Throughout their tenure, Celeste made history by becoming SNL’s first out trans and nonbinary writer. In a heartfelt farewell, they expressed gratitude to their colleagues and viewers alike.

This way, the information is presented as if I were writing a review discussing Celeste Yim’s departure from Saturday Night Live.

As a devotee of cinema, I’ve always been captivated by the journey of those who graced the stages of Saturday Night Live (SNL). Before they became an integral part of this iconic show, they honed their comedic craft and playwriting skills in the vibrant comedy scene of Toronto. Their dedication didn’t go unnoticed, as they received accolades from esteemed organizations like the New York Foundation for the Arts and Lambda Literary.

Once they joined SNL, they brought their unique perspective to desk pieces and live sketches, working alongside a diverse array of hosts. Their frequent collaborations with cast members such as Bowen Yang enriched the show’s content, and they didn’t stop there. They expanded their portfolio by contributing to projects like ‘Life & Beth’ and participating in live comedy events outside the series. In essence, they’ve proven themselves to be a versatile and talented force within the world of comedy.

Could you share with us, in your own words, which individuals you’ll miss the most from the departing team, and who among the new arrivals do you anticipate making a significant impact? We can’t wait to read your insights in the comments!

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2025-08-29 12:45