What “SNL cast” Means Today
The phrase “SNL cast” describes the group of performers who appear on NBC’s sketch institution Saturday Night Live, including repertory regulars, newer featured players, and the anchors who front the “Weekend Update” news parody. This ensemble is the creative core of the show, driving everything from recurring characters to political impressions and pre‑taped digital shorts.
Because SNL updates its cast frequently, searching for the SNL cast in 2025 usually refers to the Season 51 lineup. This season’s roster blends long‑time stars, recent breakout players, and several brand‑new additions brought in to reflect changes in comedy, politics, and online culture.[3][1]
Season 51: Main Cast and Key Departures
For Season 51, the repertory cast includes Michael Che, Mikey Day, Andrew Dismukes, Chloe Fineman, Marcello Hernández, James Austin Johnson, Colin Jost, Sarah Sherman, Kenan Thompson, and Bowen Yang.[3][1] Che and Jost remain co‑anchors of “Weekend Update,” while Thompson extends his record‑setting tenure as the longest‑running cast member. These veterans provide continuity for viewers and help shape the show’s overall tone and recurring formats.
This season also marks the final episodes for several familiar names. Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, Michael Longfellow, and Heidi Gardner departed before Season 51, and Ego Nwodim confirmed she would not return after seven seasons.[3][4] Bowen Yang’s final episode comes with the Christmas show hosted by his Wicked co‑star Ariana Grande, closing a run that significantly influenced SNL’s perspective on cultural and identity‑driven comedy.[3]
New Featured Players and the Future of SNL
Season 51 introduces a refreshed slate of featured players: Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Ashley Padilla, Kam Patterson, Veronika Slowikowska, and Jane Wickline.[3][1] On September 2, 2025, SNL announced Brennan, Culhane, Patterson, Slowikowska, and Marshall as new hires, each bringing distinct experience from stand‑up, improv, digital platforms, and the writers’ room.[3][2] Their early sketches and impressions help determine which performers will become the next breakout stars.
These new cast members signal how SNL is adapting to audience habits that increasingly center on clips and social feeds. Slowikowska arrives with a strong social media footprint, Patterson with podcast and stand‑up credentials, and Marshall with a track record from Please Don’t Destroy’s popular shorts.[3][1] Combined with James Austin Johnson’s high‑profile political impressions and the stability of long‑time players, the evolving SNL cast is positioned to keep influencing both late‑night TV and the wider online comedy ecosystem.