Stars not returning for season 51 of 'Saturday Night Live' revealed

As the iconic sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live prepares for its 51st season, viewers are expected to notice some changes.

Fans may be shocked to find out that a few familiar faces won’t be a part of the line up in the new season.

Here are some fan favourites who won’t be returning to the next installment of SNL:

Devon Walker

The earliest departure announcement came from Devon.

After giving three years to the show, Devon took to Instagram in August 2025, to announce that he will no longer be a part of the sketch comedy show.

In one of the images from the carousel post he wrote, "To me, jobs in this industry feel like a bunch of little marriages. Some of them last for a long time if we’re lucky, but most of them are fleeting. Permanent until they’re not."

"That’s the deal. You know what it is when you sign up."

He also went on to state that even though it was 'cool' working there, it also got 'toxic' at times.

He stated, "Sometimes it was really cool. Sometimes it was toxic as h***.”

Emil Wakim

Soon after Devon’s announcement, Emil also confirmed that he was leaving SNL.

Just two days after Devon’s news, the 27-year-old comedian and actor took to his Instagram to announce that he will not be returning to the show for its 51st season, calling his exit a 'gut punch.'

"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," he penned as he went on to express how much he liked working there, despite being on it for one season.

Heidi Gardner

Many fans would be shocked to know Heidi, who’s been on many skits, will also not be seen in the upcoming season.

On August 28, People confirmed that the 42 year old comedian and actress has also decided to move on to other projects after being on SNL for eight seasons.

Michael Longfellow

Taking to Instagram on August 29, Michael also broke the news to fans that he will not be coming back for another season.

"Will not be returning for a 4th season at 'SNL'. I wish I was but, so it goes," he wrote.

He went on to express gratitude for his time there, saying, "It was the best three years of my life so far. I feel nothing but gratitude for the experience and everyone there."

Continuing, "I'll miss it all, but I'll miss the friends I made and seeing them everyday the most."

Ego Nwodim

After several cast members’ departure from the show, Egobunma Kelechi Nwodim, who had been on the show for seven seasons, has now decided to mark her exit as well.

Soon after the line up for SNL season 51 was confirmed, the 37-year-old actress and comedian left fans shocked after announcing that she will not be returning to the sketch comedy show.

The Scrambled actress took to her Instagram on Friday, September 13, to share the news.

"The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight," she penned. "But after seven unforgettable seasons, I have decided to leave 'SNL.'"

She went on to express her love and gratitude she holds for her co-workers, remarking, "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. Now invite me to your weddings please!"