Why is Ego Nwodim leaving SNL after 7 Seasons?

Ego Nwodim has officially announced that she will be leaving Saturday Night Live after seven unforgettable seasons. The comedian, who joined the cast in 2018, shared her decision via Instagram, saying, “The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight.”

Nwodim expressed deep gratitude to SNL creator Lorne Michaels, her fellow castmates, writers, and crew, adding that her time on the show “taught me more than I could have ever imagined.” Her exit comes just ahead of the premiere of Season 51, which is set to debut on October 4, 2025 on NBC.

Her SNL Legacy: Characters and Breakouts

During her time on SNL, Ego Nwodim developed a range of memorable characters and sketches that helped define her comedic voice. Among fans, her turns as Lisa from Temecula, a steak-lover lawyer whose dining table shakes when cutting her favored steak, stand out.

Another highlight was her persona Miss Eggy, a stand-up alter ego, and her work on “Weekend Update,” where her sharp comedic timing and ability to elicit both laughter and suspense (sometimes leading to unexpected on-air reactions) won her broader recognition.

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Part of a Major Cast Shake-Up Ahead of Season 51

Nwodim’s exit is just one of several changes at SNL as the 50th season draws to a close. Other cast members leaving include Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, and Emil Wakim. The departures involve both voluntary exits and contract non-renewals.

In contrast, SNL is adding five new featured players for Season 51, Ben Marshall, Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska, hoping to inject fresh energy and voices into the long-running show.

What’s Next for Both Ego Nwodim and SNL

For SNL, this latest wave of departures signals a major transitional period. With several veteran cast members gone, the show faces the challenge of maintaining its comedic tone while welcoming new talent. There’s also increased scrutiny on what these changes mean for diversity, representation, and on-air dynamics.

For Ego Nwodim, the decision to leave opens opportunities to explore new roles in television and film, creative projects, or stage performances. In her Instagram post, she hinted at moving toward other opportunities after this significant chapter of her career closes.