Heidi Gardner attends "Crackle's SuperMansion" Press Room at the Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA on March 23, 2018

Overview:

As Saturday Night Live (SNL) prepares for its 51st season, the show is undergoing one of its most significant cast shake-ups in years. Eight-season veteran Heidi Gardner, along with cast members Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, and Emil Wakim, have confirmed their departures. This turmoil, which has also affected writers such as Celeste Yim and Rosebud Baker, aligns with executive producer Lorne Michaels' plans for reinvention—leaving fans worried for the show's future.

Heidi Gardner, one of the show’s most beloved voices and the longest-tenured female cast member, will not be returning after eight seasons. Since joining in Season 43 (2017), Gardner grew into a repertory player by Season 45, dazzling audiences with memorable characters such as Bailey Gismert and “Angel” from Weekend Update, and delivering unforgettable moments like her “Beavis and Butt-Head” sketch with Ryan Gosling. Her departure was confirmed by multiple outlets and follows her candid admission of “sketch fatigue” as a reason for stepping back.

YouTube player

Cast Updates:

Gardner is not alone in this exodus. Season 50 also marked the exit of:

  • Devon Walker — three seasons, hinted at creative differences
  • Michael Longfellow — three seasons, leaving after a promotion
  • Emil Wakim — departed after one season, calling the exit a “gut punch”

The shake-up extends beyond on-air talent. Writers Celeste Yim and Rosebud Baker announced their exits, contributing to the largest shift in SNL’s lineup in years.

Fans have expressed frustration on social media, with some implying the changes are eroding the show’s identity. “Cancel SNL today,” one comment declared; “She couldn’t get a goodbye?… She’s been there almost a decade,” another added, expressing disappointment over Gardner’s unexpected exit.

Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels, however, has framed these changes as intentional. After safeguarding Season 50’s momentum, he plans to “reinvent” the show in time for its 51st season. Of the current cast, only James Austin Johnson officially confirmed as returning. Notable veterans like Kenan Thompson, Michael Che, Colin Jost, Bowen Yang, and others have not yet weighed in on their status.

Sources:

  1. Entertainment Weekly – Cast Shake-Up for Season 51: https://ew.com/snl-season-51-cast-leaving-and-returning-11796428
  2. Vulture – Heidi Gardner Leaving After Eight Seasons: https://www.vulture.com/article/heidi-gardner-leaving-snl.html
  3. The Daily Beast – Fans Call for Cancellation After Departure: https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/latest-snl-exit-sparks-calls-for-cancelation-after-heidi-gardner-exit
  4. Decider – Heidi Gardner & Michael Longfellow Exit: https://decider.com/2025/08/28/michael-longfellow-cast-member-leave-saturday-night-live
  5. Washington Post – Major Cast Departures for Season 51: https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/2025/08/29/snl-cast-members-leaving-season-51

Editor’s Note:

This article is based on publicly available reporting and fan reactions regarding Saturday Night Live cast changes. Presence News does not speculate on private matters and aims only to summarize confirmed departures and publicly shared statements for informational purposes.

Post Views: 991