“SNL” Announces New Cast Members as It Prepares for Landmark 50th Season

NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” is gearing up for its 50th season with some exciting changes. On Monday, the show revealed it has hired three new featured players: Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, and Jane Wickline. These fresh faces are set to bring new energy to the iconic sketch comedy show.

However, there’s also a notable departure. Chloe Troast, who joined “SNL” last year, will not be returning. In a heartfelt Instagram post, the 27-year-old comedian shared that the decision was not hers. “Unfortunately, I was not asked back to ‘SNL’ this season,” Troast wrote. “I wish I was going back to be with all the amazing friends I made there; it truly felt like home. But it wasn’t in the cards.” She expressed gratitude to her supporters and hoped she had brought joy and laughter to the audience.

During her one season on “SNL,” Troast’s performances included a sketch where she sang to a moon with Timothée Chalamet’s face and another where she portrayed Rep. Elise Stefanik in a congressional hearing sketch.

Troast is not the only cast member leaving before the milestone season. Punkie Johnson, who joined in 2020, and Molly Kearney, who joined in 2022 as the show’s first non-binary cast member, have also confirmed their exits. Johnson mentioned on the “Fly on the Wall” podcast that she felt her background in stand-up comedy didn’t quite fit with “SNL” and is now exploring other opportunities, including a movie and a special with support from “SNL” creator Lorne Michaels. Kearney expressed her gratitude for her time on the show and the behind-the-scenes team that made it special.

“SNL” will return for its 50th season on September 28. A special anniversary episode is planned for February 16, 2024, featuring Maya Rudolph as Vice President Kamala Harris, ahead of the presidential election.

Get ready for a new season of “SNL” with fresh faces and exciting changes as the show continues its long-standing tradition of bringing laughter to audiences.