One Saturday Night Live star has explained their emotional response to season 51’s cast exits, explaining their response to the shake-ups happening behind the scenes. SNL season 51’s cast has seen major changes ahead of the show’s return, with Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Emil Wakim, and Devon Walker exiting the show, along with Please Don’t Destroy member John Higgins.
Speaking with Extra, returning cast member Chloe Fineman discussed the emotions surrounding SNL season 51’s casting shakeup. She explained that there was “a little heartbreak” knowing some veterans of the series wouldn’t be coming back, but she’s also excited to work with new cast members coming into the fold. Check out what Fineman had to say below:
Some shocking stuff — a little heartbreak, sadness. I haven’t fully processed anything. But I will say, the show has such turnover. I’m going into my seventh year, I’ve done it and you always experience it. But these people stay in your lives.
I am excited for the new people. It’s so many people. When I saw how young the new cast is, I immediately got a laser. I was like, do I get the forever 35 facelift? I was Googling their ages and I felt like I was in ‘Death Becomes Her,’ like oh my god.
What Chloe Fineman’s Statement Says About SNL’s Casting Changes
The sketch comedy show has seen some major changes happening in the background in recent months. Casting exits have also been met with changing roles, such as Please Don’t Destroy’s Ben Marshall being promoted to a main cast member and Martin Herlihy becoming a writer. Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson and Veronika Slowikowska are the newcomers joining the cast.
The news of these changes comes not long after SNL‘s 50th anniversary special, which was heavily praised thanks to contributions and participation from returning cast members. This makes the shakeup all the more shocking, considering how much it alters the dynamic of the show from recent seasons and the latest special. Fineman’s reaction isn’t without some positivity, though.
Despite exits from a multitude of cast members, SNL alums like Bowen Yang, Ego Nwodim and Kenan Thompson are set to continue their time on the show. Even with series boss Lorne Michaels confirming cast shakeups, Fineman is still excited to see the new talent come in. Although it’s a loss for the show, it’s one tinged with future optimism.
Our Take On Fineman’s Response To SNL Cast Exits
Fineman’s response emphasizes how shocking and emotional the SNL cast exits have been, especially considering how interconnected everyone on the cast is with one another. Even after the confirmations surrounding who is leaving and who is staying, it’s surprising some long-term members won’t be around for the show’s next chapter. Luckily, the star’s statements are happy about incoming cast members.
Even so, it’s a bittersweet development considering the exit of so many cast members is coupled with plenty of potential for the show thanks to newcomers. As SNL continues to evolve, older stars will, inevitably, get replaced by fresh faces. But there’s still plenty of emotion when multiple actors decide to leave at the same time.
Saturday Night Live season 51 begins Saturday, October 4 on NBC.
