Heidi Gardner exit SNL: Who else is leaving ahead of Season 51
Heidi Gardner bids farewell in major SNL shakeup. Credit: Brianne Willis
Saturday Night Live (SNL) is undergoing a sweeping cast overhaul as it braces for its 51st season, debuting October 4. The unexpected exits include Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, and Emil Wakim, confirming longtime speculation that creator Lorne Michaels planned a dramatic reinventing of the ensemble.
Heidi Gardner Departs After Eight Seasons
Veteran performer Heidi Gardner is leaving SNL after an impressive eight-season run, making her the longest-tenured female cast member last season. Gardner joined in Season 43 (2017) and became a repertory player in 2019. She’s widely celebrated for her Weekend Update characters like Bailey Gismert and her viral “Beavis and Butt-Head” sketch as Bobbi More. Outside SNL, Gardner starred in Apple TV+’s Shrinking, Netflix’s You, Girls5eva, and the film Hustle.
Michael Longfellow Leaves After Three Seasons
Joining the exits is Michael Longfellow, who came aboard in Season 48 (2022) as a featured player and was promoted to repertory status in Season 50. Known for his Weekend Update contributions, Longfellow’s departure follows an emotional departure of one-season cast member Emil Wakim. His exit adds to the growing sense of transition within the show.
Devon Walker & Emil Wakim Also Exit
Devon Walker, who joined the cast in 2022 alongside Longfellow, announced his exit, describing his SNL experience as at times “toxic as hell”, though he ended on a note of gratitude and positivity.
Emil Wakim, who had been added more recently, also stepped away after just one season, calling his time a “life-changing” experience.
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Writers Also Departing Amid Creative Overhaul
Beyond cast changes, writers Celeste Yim (the show’s first openly trans writer) and Rosebud Baker are also leaving. Yim exits after five seasons, with gratitude for her collaborators, while Baker departs amid her comedy tour plans.
Lorne Michaels Says It’s Time to Reinvent
Show creator Lorne Michaels had hinted at major cast changes, having delayed shakeups during the 50th season to preserve its celebratory tone. In a Puck News interview, he confirmed that plans for a revamp were in motion, but stressed maintaining tradition remained vital for the anniversary.
What the Shakeup Means for Season 51
As SNL prepares for Season 51, premiering October 4, the show is entering a pivotal moment. The departures of familiar faces signal a new collective direction and an opportunity to introduce fresh talent. Creator Michaels remains at the helm, and political impersonator James Austin Johnson will return. With long-timers like Kenan Thompson reflecting openly on the emotional weight of change, Season 51 promises both reinvention and nostalgia.
