SNL Switch-Ups
Like many others, I love watching SNL and often become attached to its cast members. However, in recent years, I’ve learned not to get too invested because the turnover has been fast, as new faces come and go, causing mixed reactions from fans.
This season, Michael Longfellow and Emil Wakim were not asked back, and it came as a shock to many viewers. Devon Walker, another newer member, has also decided to leave, which was unexpected because he only started in 2022. Social media users shared their outrage and confusion, commenting that Wakim was such a great addition and Longfellow was supposed to take over Weekend Update when Colin Jost and Michael Che eventually leave. Last season on Weekend Update, Longfellow even joked, “I’m just not in that much stuff this season.” Chloe Troast, an NYU Alum, was another cast member who was let go abruptly, and in her case, only after one season. She had several standout skits and was performing well, especially with her singing. Personally, I’ll miss all of them this season and definitely wish they could have had a longer run on SNL.
So, why is she, and so many others, being cut? Lorne Michaels, the creator and producer of SNL, said he wants to “change things up” and bringing in new faces is a good thing. Every few years, this tends to happen to allow a new batch of comedians to perform and bring in new styles of comedy. With many SNL skits going viral on TikTok, a new generation of viewers are tuning in. Sometimes, even reactions on social media can influence producers to keep or let go of a cast member. Marcello Hernandez is heavily loved on social media, which undoubtedly contributes positively to his airtime on the show. Even though replacements have always been a part of the show, it doesn’t make it any easier when a fan favorite is gone.
On the other hand, Kenan Thompson has been at SNL since 2003, and it seems like he won’t be leaving until he chooses to leave. Heidi Gardner, who joined in Season 43, and Ego Nwodim, who joined in Season 44, have also decided to leave this season. Gardner and Nwodim’s departures weren’t huge shocks, given that they’d been there for seven and eight years.
The constant rotation of fresh faces and new names is something the audience has grown expect at this point. Although it feels more noticeable in the newer seasons, this has happened before. Martin Short only lasted one season, and Ben Stiller left after five weeks when he realized this type of live show wasn’t for him. It’s important to remember that being released from SNL doesn’t dictate your career, as both of them, and many others, have gone on to be extremely successful.
Regardless of what the audience thinks, Season 51 is well underway with plenty of big celebrity hosts and performers. However, ratings have gone down this season, and it seems to correlate with the absence of the old cast. It just didn’t seem like it was their time to go. The comedy group Please Don’t Destroy was also removed, though Ben Marshall from the group has now joined as a regular cast member. This group had garnered a lot of attention from fans, and their absence could be another reason for the lower ratings.
Viewers, including myself, can feel all of the shifts and switch-ups, but I believe that is all part of Lorne’s plan. A constantly changing show where you never know what to expect is part of SNL’s charm. The raw, live aspect never disappoints, and since the show has been airing for the past fifty years, we have to just trust the decisions made and enjoy.
The new aspects of the show will take some time to become accustomed to, but I’ll be tuning in this season because, in the end, it’s still SNL.
