SNL Faces Major Cast Shake-Up

“Saturday Night Live” creator Lorne Michaels has confirmed that several current cast members will be cut from the NBC show in the coming days. In an interview with Puck’s Matthew Belloni, the 80-year-old producer described an impending “significant shake-up” ahead of Season 51, set to premiere on October 4, 2025.

Michaels told Belloni that decisions about the 17-member cast will be finalized “in a week or so” but offered no clues about who might be let go. 

Lorne Michaels

Reflecting on last season, he noted the return of alums like Dana Carvey (as Joe Biden), Kate McKinnon, Kristen Wiig, and Maya Rudolph for the 50th season, emphasizing their role in maintaining focus during an election year. “I wanted people coming back and being part of the 50th season,” Michaels said, adding that disruptions were avoided to prioritize the milestone.

When asked about pressure to reinvent the show for Season 51, Michaels affirmed, “Yeah, for sure,” signaling a bold refresh. The news follows the early August departures of cast members Punkie Johnson and Molly Kearney. 

Prominent current cast members include Colin Jost, Bowen Yang, and Kenan Thompson.“

SNL” Season 51 premieres Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:30 PM ET on NBC and Peacock, following the show’s summer hiatus since May 17.