‘SNL’ Boss Confirms Big Cast Changes Coming for Season 51

Lorne Michaels has confirmed that “Saturday Night Live” will undergo significant cast changes before season 51 begins, marking the end of a deliberately stable period that kept the core ensemble together through the show’s milestone 50th anniversary celebration.

The longtime “SNL” executive producer revealed during a recent interview that he expects several current cast members to exit the show, with him making final decisions in early September and announcing them within the week.

Strategic Stability During Historic Season

Michaels explained that the relative lack of cast turnover during season 50 was an intentional strategy to maintain focus on the anniversary celebration and avoid disruptions during a presidential election year. This approach differed from “SNL’s” typical pattern of frequent cast changes.

“I wanted people coming back and being part of [the 50th season],” Michaels told Puck News. “So when Kate [McKinnon] hosted, Kristen [Wiig] and Maya [Rudolph] came back for it. And that meant there couldn’t be those kind of disruptions [to the cast], or anything that was going to take the focus off [the 50th season]. And we had an election.”

The strategy allowed the show to celebrate its legacy while featuring returning alumni alongside the current ensemble. McKinnon’s hosting appearance brought back former cast members Wiig and Rudolph, creating continuity between different eras of the show.

The 50th anniversary special in February earned considerable acclaim and cultural attention, generating 31 Emmy nominations for the franchise. The celebration included a special concert at Radio City Music Hall and multiple tribute documentaries that highlighted the show’s influence on comedy and pop culture.

When asked about whether he feels pressure to reinvent the upcoming season, Michaels responded affirmatively. “Yeah, for sure. It’ll be announced in a week or so,” he said.

Major Changes Ahead After Anniversary Success

The upcoming cast changes mark a return to “SNL’s” usual approach, where performers typically spend several years on the show before moving on to other projects. This system has historically allowed new talent to emerge while keeping the show fresh for audiences.

Auditions for potential new cast members took place last week in Studio 8H, following Michaels’ usual scouting trips to comedy scenes in Los Angeles and Chicago. The producer also spent time in London this summer working on a new UK version of SNL, expanding the franchise internationally.

While Michaels hasn’t announced specific departures, he said the changes will be significant enough to substantially alter the current lineup. The timing works well for long-serving cast members ready to move on and the show’s need to bring in fresh talent.

The show will retain James Austin Johnson in his role as Donald Trump to ensure continuity in political impressions as the country heads into another election cycle. Johnson’s Trump portrayal has become a central element of the show’s political coverage.

Michaels also revealed that he’s been delegating more responsibilities to his team over the past year. “More people are involved in the choices and in the decisions,” he explained to Puck News, suggesting a shift in the show’s production structure while retaining his final decision-making authority.

Season 51 begins on October 4, giving the production team time to integrate new performers and develop material that showcases both established and incoming talent, marking a new chapter for the long-running comedy institution as it moves forward from its milestone celebration.