A still of Heidi Gardner and Michael Longfellow on stage during an SNL sketch in January 2025. (Getty Images)
“Saturday Night Live” is undergoing another wave of cast changes ahead of its upcoming season. Heidi Gardner and Michael Longfellow are the latest to leave the iconic NBC sketch series, making them the third and fourth cast members to depart this week.
Gardner’s exit comes after eight standout seasons. Since joining in 2017, she became known for her quirky, neurotic characters and memorable recurring roles. Among her fan favorites was “Angel,” the overdramatic girlfriend in every boxing movie parody — a character that cemented her place as a versatile and beloved performer on the show.
Longfellow, who joined in 2022, leaves after three seasons. His laid-back delivery and offbeat humor brought a fresh dynamic to the ensemble, even though his tenure was relatively short compared to Gardner’s.
A Week of Major Departures
The news follows two earlier announcements this week. On Monday, Devon Walker confirmed via Instagram that he was leaving “SNL” after three seasons. In his post, Walker described his experience as both rewarding and difficult, calling the workplace at times “toxic as hell.” He compared his stint to “a little marriage,” reflecting on the highs and lows of his time with the show.
Just two days later, Emil Wakim revealed his departure after a single season. He described the decision as “a gut punch of a call to get,” but expressed gratitude for the opportunity and the platform the show provided him.
Tradition of Change
Such turnover is not unusual for “SNL,” where cast reshuffles often happen before the launch of a new season. Each fall, creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels evaluates the lineup, balancing returning veterans with new talent to keep the show fresh for audiences.
In a recent interview with Puck, Michaels hinted that significant cast changes were on the horizon, though he stopped short of naming specific performers. With Gardner, Longfellow, Walker, and Wakim all departing in quick succession, fans are now awaiting announcements about who will join the ensemble next.
Looking Ahead to Season 51
The timing of these changes is notable, as the show prepares for its 51st season. NBC has confirmed that the new season will premiere on October 4. New cast members are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, continuing the long-standing tradition of introducing fresh faces each fall.
Despite the turnover, the show has maintained its reputation as a comedy institution for nearly five decades. Alumni such as Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, and Bill Hader all once made their mark on the “SNL” stage, proving that cast departures often pave the way for the next generation of comedic stars.
A Transitional Moment
Gardner’s departure, in particular, marks the end of a notable era. Over eight seasons, she evolved into one of the show’s most reliable and versatile performers. Meanwhile, Longfellow and Walker leave with several seasons behind them, and Wakim departs after a single year — highlighting the unpredictability of an “SNL” tenure.
As the countdown begins for Season 51, the focus now shifts to who will step into the spotlight. For fans, the departures are bittersweet, but the promise of new voices and fresh comedic energy is in keeping with the show’s enduring spirit of reinvention.
