SNL’s 51st season opens with major cast changes, sparking concern and emotional reactions.

Ahead of SNL’s 51st season, former cast member Bobby Moynihan commented on the show’s major cast turnover, noting the frequent changes as a long-standing tradition. He expressed concern for current cast members’ well-being, urging access to therapy and rest. Heidi Gardner, Ego Nwodim, Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, and Emil Wakim departed, and the comedy trio Please Don’t Destroy was phased out, though Ben Marshall joined as a featured player. New featured players include Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska. Alumni reacted with surprise, likening the shake-up to a movie plot, while continuing cast member Chloe Fineman called the changes emotional but exciting. Decisions are typically delayed until Labor Day, despite Lorne Michaels usually informing cast members by July.