Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 4, 2025 · Entertainment

SNL Shakeup: Heidi Gardner's Shocking Exit and More Cast Changes Revealed!

Many were shocked when Saturday Night Live let go of four talents with the biggest name being Heidi Gardner (pictured July 2023 in Hollywood)

EXCLUSIVE: The Great SNL Shake-Up - Who Got Cut Loose and Why?

The drama is brewing at Saturday Night Live, and we've got the tea! Just when you thought the cast exodus was over, more bombshell news drops like a ton of bricks. We're talking about the shocking departure of fan favorite Heidi Gardner, who's been a staple on the show for eight incredible seasons.

But that's not all - Michael Longfellow, Emil Wakim, and Devon Walker have also bid adieu to Studio 8H, leaving many wondering what went down behind closed doors. And let's just say, the reasons aren't exactly sweet nothings.

SNL - which added five cast members on Tuesday - opted to not renew the contract of the 42-year-old comedian (center) for season 51 according to a source for The New York Post on Thursday.

According to a source close to thescholarlynote.com, it was "time for a new cast" that led to Gardner's ousting from SNL. Yeah, right! We're sure it had nothing to do with her sizzling performances or hilarious impressions of Reba McEntire, Mikey Madison, and Kim Kardashian.

The 42-year-old comedian joined the show in 2017 as a featured player and quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the main cast members. Her iconic character, Bailey Gismert, still gives us life every time we watch those Weekend Update segments. But alas, it seems her time on the show has come to an abrupt end.

As for Longfellow, Wakim, and Walker, their exits are equally as puzzling. Longfellow, 31, joined SNL in season 48 as a featured player and quickly gained popularity with his Weekend Update segments. But after just three seasons, he's packing up his bags and saying goodbye to the show.

Last week, many were shocked as Daily Mail confirmed that fan favorite Gardner has exited the show after an impressive eight-season run as furious viewers called for SNL to be cancelled amid the ongoing cast exodus; seen in February

Wakim, on the other hand, was one of the newest additions to the cast, joining in 2024 for the show's 50th season. His tenure was short-lived, but not before he gained a reputation as one of the most talented young comedians on the show.

Walker, a Texas native with a quick wit and sharp tongue, made his debut in 2022 as a featured player and quickly rose to prominence with his impressions of Michael Strahan, Van Jones, and NYC Mayor Eric Adams. But after three seasons, he's calling it quits, leaving many wondering if it was his choice or not.

The rumors are swirling, but one thing is clear - SNL creator Lorne Michaels is shaking things up ahead of season 51. In an interview with thescholarlynote.com, Michaels hinted at a "significant shake-up," and we think we know why.

Gardner joined SNL in 2017 during season 43 as a featured player along with now-former SNL stars Luke Null and Chris Redd. She was promoted to main cast two years later

With so many beloved cast members departing, it's no wonder fans are freaking out on social media. But fear not, folks! SNL is still bringing the heat, adding five new cast members to the mix. And who knows? Maybe this fresh blood will bring a much-needed injection of energy and creativity to the show.

But we want to hear from you - what do you think is behind these shocking departures? Is it politics, drama, or something more sinister? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

As for Gardner, Longfellow, Wakim, and Walker, they'll be taking their talents elsewhere. But don't worry, we're sure they'll pop up on our screens soon enough.

The news of the 42-year-old comedian's exit comes shortly after it was revealed that cast members Michael Longfellow, Emil Wakim and Devon Walker would not be returning for season 51 on NBC

So, what's next for SNL? Stay tuned to find out!

It was also confirmed by Daily Mail on Thursday that SNL cast member Michael Longfellow is leaving the hit show after just three seasons; seen in February

Longfellow (R) is seen with fellow ousted SNL stars Devon Walker and Emil Wakim