The long-running comedy show “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) is undergoing a major cast shake-up. NBC has confirmed that five new comedians will join the 51st season: Ben Marshall, a member of the comedy trio Please Don’t Destroy, along with Veronika Slowikowska, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, and Tommy Brennan.
This announcement follows the departure of several key cast members. Heidi Gardner leaves after eight seasons, Michael Longfellow and Devon Walker after three seasons each, and Emil Wakim after just one season.
Who Are the New Faces of SNL?
- Ben Marshall is already familiar to SNL viewers. He joined in 2021 as a writer and appeared in sketches with Please Don’t Destroy. He is now promoted to a featured player.
- Veronika Slowikowska has gained over 1 million followers on Instagram with her comedy videos. Her acting credits include Shane Gillis’ Netflix series Tires and FX’s hit show What We Do in the Shadows.
- Jeremy Culhane is also active on social media and has appeared in Dropout TV productions, as well as performing with the Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles.
- Kam Patterson, a stand-up comedian, frequently appears on Tony Hinchcliffe’s podcast Kill Tony and will soon be seen in Kevin Hart’s Netflix film 72 Hours.
- Tommy Brennan was named a “New Face of Comedy” at Just for Laughs in 2023 and has performed stand-up on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Notable Departures
The cast transition also drew attention due to the departures of some notable members. Devon Walker wrote on Instagram:
“Me and the show did three years together, and sometimes it was really cool. Sometimes it was toxic as hell. But we did what we made the most of what it was, even amidst all of the dysfunction. We made a fucked up lil family.”
Emil Wakim shared his thoughts in his announcement:
“I won’t be returning to SNL next year. It was a gut punch of a call to get but I’m so grateful for my time there. Every time I scanned into the building I would think how insane it is to get to work there. It was the most terrifying, thrilling, and rewarding experience of my life and I will miss it dearly and all the brilliant people that work there that made it feel like a home.”
When Does the New Season Premiere?
The 51st season of SNL premieres on October 4 on NBC, following the show’s 50th anniversary celebrations, which included documentaries, a Radio City Music Hall special, and a three-hour broadcast featuring SNL legends.
