SNL's Toxic Secrets: Devon Walker's Shocking Exit and the Looming Shake-Up
SHOCKING EXODUS HITS SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE: Longtime Boss Lorne Michaels Warns of 'Significant Shake-Up' as First Cast Member Exits
The rumors are finally true – and they're more explosive than anyone could have imagined! The first cast member to officially bid adieu to Saturday Night Live (SNL) has revealed the toxic underbelly of the beloved late-night staple, leaving fans wondering who's next on the chopping block. And if you thought that was all, get ready for some juicy tea – insiders are spilling the beans about Lorne Michaels' plan to revamp the show, which could mean goodbye to several A-list stars!
In a candid chat with Puck's Matthew Belloni (yes, those folks who dish out the latest industry gossip!), 80-year-old SNL mastermind Lorne Michaels spilled the beans about an impending "significant shake-up" ahead of Season 51's premiere on October 4. When asked if he was planning to clear house, Michaels didn't hesitate: 'Yes.'
But don't just take his word for it! One cast member has already confirmed their exit, and we've got all the deets. Devon Walker, a talented 34-year-old comedian who joined SNL in Season 48, took to Instagram to break the news – but what he shared might shock you!
In a tongue-in-cheek post titled "Me and baby broke up," Walker compared his three-year stint on SNL to a rocky romance, admitting that the job can be "toxic" at times. When we reached out for comment, Walker chuckled, saying he didn't want to speak further "at this time." Hmm... does that sound like someone trying to save face or deflect from drama?
Walker's Instagram post was filled with humor and honesty as he reflected on his time at SNL: "Jobs in this industry feel like a bunch of little marriages. Me and the show did three years together, and sometimes it was really cool. Sometimes it was toxic as hell." Ouch! But he wasn't done dishing – Walker added that despite the highs and lows, they made the most of what it was: "We did what we made the most of what it was, even amidst all of the dysfunction. We made a f–ked up lil family."
The Texas native revealed some interesting plans after his exit: "Anyway, I'm bout to go to Japan... When I get back, I'm tryna be in a prestige drama. Ideally something with Julianne Moore. Hope y'all staying hydrated and getting some money today." Talk about setting the bar high!
But what really got our attention was Walker's official announcement – titled "Wait..did he quit or did he get fired?" A cheeky screenshot even showed him texting a friend: 'I'm out', punctuated with a celebration emoji! Looks like someone's moving on up (or at least to Japan)!
So, who else might be saying goodbye to SNL? Michaels dropped a bombshell hinting that several current stars will be let go before the new season kicks off. When asked about pressure to reinvent this season, he replied: "Yeah, for sure." Guess we'll just have to wait and see which A-listers get axed!
In related news, SNL's longtime boss Michaels also spoke out about CBS' decision to fire Stephen Colbert from The Late Show franchise. Michaels called it a "stunning" move, saying: 'I'm on the side of the people who do shows... There's two audiences now – the audience that is (watching on) TikTok and YouTube, and there's a linear audience.' He even compared Colbert to David Letterman, Conan O'Brien, and Seth Meyers as "heirs" to late-night TV royalty!
But here's some food for thought: according to media expert Robert Thompson, founder of the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture at Syracuse University, SNL might be next on the chopping block once Michaels finally retires. Thompson believes NBC could axe the show along with Michaels' other programs – including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night With Seth Meyers.
"When (Lorne Michaels) decides to retire or can't do those shows anymore," Thompson said, "NBC would be in an interesting position." The network might just decide it's easier to cancel SNL rather than overhauling every program – a bold move that could shake the TV landscape!
The big question on everyone's mind now is: who'll be next? Stay tuned for more updates as we follow this juicy drama unfold!
