Live from New York, it’s season 48! Saturday Night LiveIt is currently on an annual hiatus. But fans should expect major casting changes once the show resumes.
DeadlineIt was reported that three SNLStars have left weeks before the premiere of the season: Alex Moffat, Melissa VillaseñorAnd Aristotle Athari. The 34-year-old actress was the second Latinx cast member in the variety show’s history after Noel Wellsand the first to be promoted into repertory status.
Days before her departure from the comedy series made headlines, Villaseñor took to Instagram to promote her fall book tour and upcoming stand-up shows. She didn’t immediately address her exit.
Long-time producer, Cathy Smith, speaks out ahead of the casting shakeup Lindsay ShookusAnnounced on August 19th that she was closing her doors SNL chapter. “After 20 seasons at Saturday Night Live (and 415 live shows – i counted!), I have decided to trade in the wild late night life and move on from the show,” she wrote via Instagram alongside a handful of photos from her time behind the scenes. “When I started in 2002, I was a baby from Buffalo, NY who didn’t know anything about the business, except that I so badly wanted to be somehow part of it. I found my place at SNL and I’ve spent the past two decades developing the most incredible friendships and memories alongside some truly brilliant and talented people.”
Shookus, who once dated Ben Affleck from 2017 to 2018, also noted that she felt “excited about what lies ahead,” adding, “I will be forever grateful to Lorne for this once in a lifetime opportunity…thank you for your support, encouragement and freedom to bring my voice to this legendary stage.”
Kenan Thompson, the longest-tenured member of cast in SNLHis colleague in history sent him well-wishes. “😢 It’s been a pleasure of a journey my friend!!! ‘May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past.’ Cheers!! ❤️❤️❤️,” he commented.
The 48th season of the NBC sketch series does not yet have a premiere date, and returning stars haven’t been officially confirmed. Four cast members said goodbye to the show earlier this year when season 47 ended. Pete DavidsonAnd Kate McKinnon.
“When I got the show I was 20 years old and I had no idea what I was doing. … I got to share so much with this audience and literally grow up in front of your eyes. We were together through the good and the bad, the happiest and the darkest of times,” the Guy Code28-year-old alum wrote via pal Dave Sirus‘ Instagram account ahead of the May 21 finale. “I owe Lorne Michaels and everyone at SNL my life.”
Scroll down to find out which SNL cast members won’t return for season 48:
