NBC’s Saturday Night Live is heading into its 51st season with one of the most significant shake-ups in recent memory. Ego Nwodim, who joined the show in 2018 and quickly became a fan favorite, has officially announced she’s leaving after seven seasons.
For so many of us, this is a tough one. Ego was often the reason to check in on SNL — her energy, originality, and razor-sharp humor made sketches come alive. From her viral turn as Lisa from Temecula to her iconic Dionne Warwick impression to the unforgettable Miss Eggy sketch, she was a force. She was hilarious, unpredictable, and one of the most original voices in Studio 8H. I don’t know what SNL is about to do without her.
“The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight. But after seven unforgettable seasons, I have decided to leave SNL. I am immensely grateful to Lorne for the opportunity, to my castmates, the writers, and the crew for their brilliance, support, and friendship. Week after week on that stage taught me more than I could have ever imagined, and I will carry those memories, and that laughter, with me always,” Nwodim said.
Five Departures and a Reinvention
Nwodim becomes the fifth cast member to exit ahead of Season 51, joining Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Emil Wakim, and Devon Walker. Writers Celeste Yim and Rosebud Baker are also moving on, marking a significant roster refresh following the show’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
The changes line up with creator Lorne Michaels’ recent comments to Puck, where he hinted that the series would “reinvent” itself going forward.
- Heidi Gardner departs after eight seasons and countless standout sketches, including her viral crack-up during a Beavis and Butt-Head skit.
- Michael Longfellow leaves after three years, known for his “Resident Boyfriend” bits on Weekend Update.
- Emil Wakim exits after just one season, calling the experience “terrifying, thrilling, and rewarding.”
- Devon Walker bows out after two seasons, joking that he’s ready for a prestige drama, “ideally something with Julianne Moore.”
- Writers Celeste Yim and Rosebud Baker also confirmed their departures, both sharing heartfelt reflections on their contributions to the show.
Meet the New Faces
While the exits are significant, Season 51 will also introduce five new featured players, giving the series a chance to reset its comedic mix:
- Kam Patterson – Stand-up comic, Kill Tony regular, and upcoming star in Netflix’s 72 Hours with Kevin Hart.
- Tommy Brennan – A 2023 Just for Laughs “New Face of Comedy” who has also appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
- Jeremy Culhane – Viral sketch creator and Dropout TV performer with UCB roots.
- Ben Marshall – Former SNL writer and one-third of Please Don’t Destroy, the comedy trio behind many popular shorts.
- Veronika Slowikowska – Canadian comedian known for viral sketches and roles in Tires and What We Do in the Shadows.
The End of One Chapter, the Start of Another
For Nwodim, leaving SNL isn’t an end but the next step in a rising career. She’s already starred in Peacock’s Poker Face, Netflix’s Little Brother with John Cena, Eric André, and Michelle Monaghan, and the series Mr. Throwback.
“Dream come true. I want my other dreams to come true. I want to be in films and I want to do more TV as well,” she told Deadline last year.
As Season 51 approaches, SNL will premiere with 17 cast members, five new faces, and without Ego Nwodim — one of the brightest, funniest, and most original voices to grace Studio 8H in the past decade.
Caption:
Ego Nwodim has officially left SNL after seven seasons, becoming the fifth cast member to exit ahead of Season 51. Original, hilarious, and unforgettable — her departure leaves big shoes to fill.
Do you want me to also make you a quick carousel breakdown (one slide for each of the five exits + five new cast members) so it’s ready to drop on Instagram? That way your audience gets the full roster shift at a glance.