The Definitive List: Every SNL Cast Member Who Defined Season 50 And The Shocking Departures Of 2025
The 2024-2025 season of Saturday Night Live (SNL) marked a historic milestone for the legendary late-night sketch comedy show, celebrating its 50th anniversary with a cast that balanced seasoned veterans and fresh, viral talent. As of late 2025, the conversation around 30 Rockefeller Plaza is less about who is making us laugh now, and more about the major shakeups that defined the year, including a wave of high-profile departures and the introduction of new faces who are now fighting for screen time.
This period of transition, overseen by creator Lorne Michaels, saw several beloved Repertory Players say their goodbyes, paving the way for a new generation of comedians. The current ensemble is a dynamic mix of impressions specialists, viral stars, and veteran sketch performers, all contributing to the show's continued relevance in a rapidly changing media landscape. The cast list below reflects the definitive roster that anchored the landmark Season 50.
The Complete SNL Season 50 Cast List (2024-2025)
The 50th season featured an ensemble of 18 performers, with 15 Repertory Players and three new Featured Players. This list details the full cast from the 2024-2025 season, before the most recent exits.
Repertory Players (The Veteran Core)
- Michael Che: Co-anchor of "Weekend Update" and co-head writer. Joined the cast in 2014.
- Mikey Day: Known for his impressions of Donald Trump Jr. and his recurring character, the "Chucky" doll. Joined the cast in 2016.
- Andrew Dismukes: A writer-turned-performer, celebrated for his unique, often bizarre characters and monologues. Joined the cast in 2020.
- Chloe Fineman: The show's impressionist powerhouse, specializing in celebrity parodies like Jennifer Coolidge and Drew Barrymore. Joined the cast in 2019.
- Marcello Hernández: A breakout star known for his charismatic energy and sketches about his Latin American background. Joined the cast in 2022.
- James Austin Johnson: Widely regarded as the best current political impressionist, particularly for his surreal and spot-on Donald Trump. Joined the cast in 2021.
- Colin Jost: Co-anchor of "Weekend Update" and a head writer. He is one of the longest-serving cast members in SNL history. Joined the cast in 2005 (as a writer) and 2014 (as a performer).
- Molly Kearney: A Featured Player promoted to Repertory status, known for their physical comedy and distinct presence. Joined the cast in 2022.
- Punkie Johnson: Known for her stand-up style and bold, energetic characters. Joined the cast in 2020.
- Sarah Sherman: Celebrated for her loud, abrasive, and wonderfully weird stand-up persona and her "Meatballs" sketches. Joined the cast in 2021.
- Kenan Thompson: The longest-serving cast member in SNL history, a cornerstone of the show and a master of impressions and straight-man roles. Joined the cast in 2003.
- Bowen Yang: A cultural phenomenon and Emmy nominee, known for his unique characters like the Iceberg Who Sank the Titanic and his sharp commentary on "Weekend Update." Joined the cast in 2019.
Featured Players (The Rising Stars)
- Ashley Padilla: A Groundlings alum announced as a new Featured Player for Season 50.
- Emil Wakim: A stand-up comedian who joined the show for its 50th season.
- Jane Wickline: A TikTok comedian and new Featured Player, representing the show's continued effort to scout viral talent.
The Shockwave of SNL Departures: Who Left Before Season 51?
The transition between Season 50 and the upcoming Season 51 (2025-2026) saw a significant and surprising exodus of talent, marking one of the show's largest cast turnovers in recent memory. The departures were a major topic of discussion among fans and comedy critics, as several key players opted to move on to other projects or were not asked to return. These exits created a massive void that the remaining cast and new additions will be tasked with filling.
High-Profile Exits Confirmed in 2025
The following cast members were confirmed to have departed Saturday Night Live following the conclusion of the 50th season:
- Heidi Gardner: A fan favorite and impressionist known for characters like the "Every Boxer’s Girlfriend" and the "Teenage Girl Who’s Just Visited a City." Her departure was a major surprise given her seniority and consistent utility in sketches.
- Ego Nwodim: A versatile and beloved performer who specialized in a wide range of characters and impressions, most notably her hilarious "Waking Up with Sarah and Cheyene" co-host. Her exit was announced in 2025.
- Michael Longfellow: Known for his observational stand-up style on "Weekend Update" and his dry delivery. He was promoted to a main cast member before Season 50 but departed shortly after.
- Devon Walker: A Featured Player known for his laid-back presence and unique comedic voice. His departure was announced in August 2025.
These departures underscore the cyclical nature of SNL, where cast members often leave after a few years to pursue film, television, or stand-up careers, a tradition that dates back to the original Not Ready for Prime Time Players.
The New Era of SNL: Topical Authority and Breakout Stars
The current SNL cast is defined by its ability to blend political satire with viral, character-driven comedy. The show's topical authority remains centered around the political landscape, but the breakout stars are often those who master the art of the quick, shareable sketch.
The "Weekend Update" Stalwarts: Che and Jost
The longest-running "Weekend Update" duo, Michael Che and Colin Jost, continue to be the backbone of the show's political and social commentary. Their chemistry, characterized by passive aggression and controversial joke swaps, provides a consistent segment that drives viewership and online discussion. Che's biting, often dark humor and Jost's preppy, straight-laced delivery create a dynamic that has defined the segment for over a decade. The segment remains a key battleground for LSI keywords related to current events and political figures.
Impression Masters and Character Comedians
The strength of the current ensemble lies in its deep bench of impressionists and character specialists. James Austin Johnson is the undisputed king of political impressions, with his stream-of-consciousness Donald Trump earning critical acclaim for its accuracy and comedic depth. Chloe Fineman has solidified her role as the go-to celebrity impressionist, flawlessly embodying figures from the entertainment world. Meanwhile, Mikey Day has stepped up to fill critical roles, often playing the straight man to the more outlandish characters or delivering strong celebrity parodies.
The Future of Sketch Comedy: Marcello Hernández and Bowen Yang
Marcello Hernández is arguably the biggest breakout star of the new generation. His sketches, which often feature him speaking in Spanish or referencing his Cuban-Dominican heritage, have brought a fresh, diverse perspective to the show. He represents the show's successful effort to tap into new cultural zeitgeists. Bowen Yang, already an Emmy nominee, continues to push the boundaries of sketch comedy with his unique, often surreal characters and powerful "Weekend Update" appearances, making him a critical entity for the show's cultural relevance.
The SNL Casting Process: Repertory Player vs. Featured Player
Understanding the structure of the SNL cast is essential for appreciating the show's dynamics. The ensemble is divided into two categories: Repertory Players and Featured Players. This distinction is crucial for a performer's career trajectory and salary.
The Path to Repertory Status
A Featured Player is typically in their first one to three seasons. They are essentially on an audition period. They appear in sketches, but their roles are usually smaller, and they are not included in the opening credits. For Season 50, Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, and Jane Wickline were the newest Featured Players, tasked with proving they can handle the pressure of live television and develop recurring characters that resonate with the audience.
A Repertory Player is a full-fledged cast member. They are featured in the iconic opening credits and have established themselves as essential members of the troupe. Kenan Thompson, with his record-breaking tenure, is the ultimate example of a Repertory Player. Promotions, such as Molly Kearney's to Repertory status, are a major sign of commitment from Lorne Michaels and the production team.
The high number of recent departures, including Ego Nwodim and Heidi Gardner, means that the remaining Featured Players and the new additions will have a greater opportunity to ascend to Repertory status in the upcoming Season 51. The competition for the coveted spots, and the chance to create the next iconic SNL character, is fiercer than ever.
As Saturday Night Live moves past its 50th season, the current cast represents a fascinating intersection of comedy history and modern viral culture. From the stability of Kenan Thompson and the "Weekend Update" anchors to the fresh energy of the new Featured Players, the ensemble continues to evolve, proving that the live sketch format remains one of the most powerful forces in American comedy.
Topical Entities & LSI Keywords: Lorne Michaels, Saturday Night Live Season 50, Repertory Player, Featured Player, Weekend Update, Michael Che, Colin Jost, Kenan Thompson, Mikey Day, Chloe Fineman, Marcello Hernández, James Austin Johnson, Bowen Yang, Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, Jane Wickline, Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, Donald Trump impression, sketch comedy, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Groundlings, TikTok comedians, political satire, Not Ready for Prime Time Players, Molly Kearney, Punkie Johnson, Sarah Sherman, Andrew Dismukes, Season 51.
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