Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 12, 2025 · Entertainment

Ego Nwodim's Sudden Exit Shakes Up SNL Ahead of New Season

Another Saturday Night Live veteran has jumped ship amid the ongoing cast shake-up that has already seen four members axed

SNL SHAKEDOWN: Another Beloved Veteran Bids Farewell Amid Roster Revamp!

The Saturday Night Live (SNL) universe is still reeling from the devastating news that yet another talented cast member has parted ways with the iconic show. Ego Nwodim, a fan-favorite and veteran of seven seasons, stunned fans by announcing her departure in an Instagram post on Friday morning.

But don't just take our word for it! An insider spilled the tea to TheScholarlyNote.com: "Lorne Michaels has made no secret about his desire to revamp the show and bring in some fresh blood. He wants to make SNL funny again, and with multiple cast members leaving, he's getting his wish – even if it's not exactly what fans had in mind."

Now, in an Instagram story posted Friday morning, Ego Nwodim revealed she has decided to leave the show after seven seasons

The sudden departure of Nwodim comes on the heels of a series of high-profile exits, including Michael Longfellow, Emil Wakim, Devon Walker, and most recently, Heidi Gardner, who bid farewell after eight incredible years. It seems that Lorne Michaels' warning to fans about an impending roster revamp was more than just a rumor – it's become a very real reality.

The 37-year-old comedian took to Instagram to share the bittersweet news with her devoted followers: "The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight...But after seven unforgettable seasons, I have decided to leave SNL. I am immensely grateful to Lorne for the opportunity, to my castmates, the writers, and the crew for their brilliance, support, and friendship."

Nwodim's exit has left fans reeling, particularly given that her name was still included on NBC's official list of returning cast members just days ago. The shocking revelation raises more questions than answers: what led to Nwodim's sudden departure? Was it a creative difference or something more? And what does this mean for the future of SNL?

'The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight,' the 37-year-old comedian wrote

Rumors are already swirling about the reasons behind Nwodim's exit, with some speculating that she may have been let go due to a desire to focus on her film career. After all, she has already landed roles in several upcoming projects, including Netflix's comedy Little Brother, starring alongside John Cena and Eric André.

But one thing is certain: Ego Nwodim will be deeply missed by fans of the show. As the seventh Black woman to join the SNL cast (following trailblazers like Maya Rudolph, Leslie Jones, and Punkie Johnson), her departure marks a significant milestone in the show's evolving legacy – particularly given that she will be the first Black female performer not on the show since Sasheer Zamata left in 2017.

The ScholaryNote.com has obtained a list of the new cast members for Season 51, and while some familiar faces are still on board (hello, Kenan Thompson!), others have moved on to greener pastures. Writer and occasional performer John Higgins has bid adieu, while Ben Marshall is taking on a new role as a featured player – but don't worry, he'll be bringing his signature wit and charm to the stage.

'But after seven unforgettable seasons, I have decided to leave SNL,' Ego wrote

And then there's Martin Herlihy, still holding down the fort as a writer. But with Nwodim's departure, it seems that Lorne Michaels' vision for SNL is slowly becoming a reality – even if it means making some tough choices along the way.

So what does this mean for fans of the show? With four members already gone and more rumored to be on their way out, will SNL still be able to deliver its signature blend of humor and heart? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: we can't wait to see what Season 51 has in store.

The Cast Shake-Up Explained

  • Michael Longfellow, Emil Wakim, Devon Walker, Heidi Gardner, and now Ego Nwodim have all left SNL.
  • Lorne Michaels wants to revamp the show and make it funny again – and he's willing to take some risks to get there.
  • New cast members include Veronika Slowikowska, Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, and Kam Patterson – but will they be able to fill the void left by Nwodim and others?
  • Ben Marshall is taking on a new role as a featured player, while Martin Herlihy remains on staff as a writer.
  • The Please Don't Destroy trio won't be appearing on screen together this season.

Stay tuned for more updates from TheScholarlyNote.com – we'll have all the latest news and gossip from the world of SNL!