SNL Cast Exits Season 51: Lorne Michaels Confirms
Saturday Night Live is preparing for cast changes ahead of its 51st season, according to showrunner Lorne Michaels. This proclamation comes after a season 50 finale that saw no cast departures, and amidst a period of festivity for the show’s 50th anniversary.Michaels indicated the changes will be revealed within the week.
Michaels explained that the focus on the 50th season and the recent election cycle led to a desire to maintain cast stability. He noted a conversation with Dana Carvey highlighted the importance of familiar faces during the milestone season, and the return of alumni like Kate McKinnon, Kristen Wiig, and Maya Rudolph further solidified this approach.
However, with the 50th anniversary now passed, Michaels acknowledges a need to ”reinvent” the show and is actively planning cast adjustments. He also confirmed that James Austin Johnson will continue portraying Donald Trump.
previously, cast member Bowen Yang had declined to comment on his future with the show when questioned by Entertainment Weekly.