Heidi Gardner and Michael Longfellow are among a wave of departures from Saturday Night Live ahead of Season 51. Gardner, an eight-season fixture, and Longfellow, who spent three seasons on the show, were confirmed not to return as the show prepares a major cast overhaul.
Who else is leaving (the short list)
Their exits follow recent announcements from Devon Walker and Emil Wakim, making at least four cast members who have publicly said they won’t be back. Writers have also been reshuffled, signaling a broader reset beyond just the on-air talent.
Why Michael Longfellow’s exit surprised many
Longfellow had become a frequent presence on Weekend Update and was widely discussed online as a possible future desk contributor or host; that trajectory made his departure feel more unexpected than a standard offseason change. Expect chatter about who might get the next desk minutes.
Heidi Gardner’s footprint
Heidi Gardner built a steady SNL resume — memorable impressions, signature characters (think the neurotic, scene-stealing types), and recurring Update bits — that made her a recognizable voice on the show. Her leaving removes a dependable performer from the ensemble at a time when veteran continuity matters.
What Lorne Michaels and Kenan Thompson have hinted
Creator Lorne Michaels told Puck and other outlets he planned to “shake things up,” and longtime cast member Kenan Thompson has publicly teased “a lot of change” after the show’s 50th anniversary — framing these departures as part of a deliberate reboot rather than random cuts.
How Weekend Update could change
With a diminished pool of recurring Update contributors, producers may either lean harder on the anchor duo (Colin Jost and Michael Che) to carry the segment, promote a new face to the desk, or rotate featured players for topical hits. The next few weeks of casting news will be crucial for Update’s tone going into fall.
Timing and the premiere
Season 51 is slated to premiere on October 4, 2025 on NBC (and stream on Peacock). That gives Lorne Michaels and the showrunner a tight window to finalize hires, rehearse new bits, and introduce fresh faces to audiences. Expect official cast lists and host announcements in the coming days.
What fans should watch for
Check for three things: (1) which new performers are promoted or hired, (2) whether any veteran anchors or repertory players also depart, and (3) how Weekend Update fills the creative gaps left by departures like Heidi Gardner. If SNL wants to keep its cultural bite, the incoming batch will need to land quickly.
Bottom line
Heidi Gardner’s and Michael Longfellow’s exits are part of a deliberate shake-up that could reshape SNL’s mid-show satire and sketch balance. For U.S. viewers who follow the show for sharp political takes and recurring characters, the next few casting announcements will be must-see TV.