SNL Shakeup: Third Star Leaves as Drama Unfolds

SNL SHAKEDOWN: Yet Another Star Bites the Dust

The once-sturdy walls of Studio 8H at 30 Rockefeller Plaza have been shaken to their core, as another beloved member of the Saturday Night Live (SNL) cast has checked out. Michael Longfellow, a 31-year-old rising star, is leaving the iconic sketch comedy series after just three seasons, in a shocking blow that's got fans and colleagues reeling.

According to Variety, Longfellow's departure comes on the heels of two other high-profile exits: Emil Wakim and Devon Walker. The news has sparked a wave of speculation about what's behind these sudden departures, with insiders whispering about a "significant shake-up" orchestrated by showrunner Lorne Michaels ahead of season 51.

Longfellow joined SNL in season 48 as a featured player, quickly making a name for himself with his sharp Weekend Update segments. But despite his rising star status, he's packing up his bags and saying goodbye to the world-famous comedy club. Thescholarlynote.com has reached out to NBC representatives for comment, but so far, no word.

Meanwhile, Wakim, 27, shared a heart-wrenching Instagram post announcing his own departure from SNL. In a poignant message, he confessed that it was "a gut punch of a call" to get let go, but expressed gratitude for the experience and memories made during his time on the show. Wakim's tenure with SNL began in 2024, when he joined the cast for season 50.

"I won't be returning to SNL next year," he wrote, accompanied by photos of happier times at Studio 8H, including a shot of himself grinning alongside Colin Jost and Michael Che at the Weekend Update desk. His post was met with an outpouring of love and support from fans and colleagues, including Jane Wickline, who exclaimed "Love you so much!" Wakim also received well-wishes from comedian Nikki Glaser, who called him a "legend," and former SNL stars Chris Redd and Punkie Johnson.

But what's behind these sudden departures? Sources close to the show hint at a deeper issue: Lorne Michaels' plan to shake things up ahead of season 51. When asked about pressure to reinvent this season, Michaels dropped a bombshell: "Yeah, for sure." He promised more details in a week or so, leaving fans and cast members alike on tenterhooks.

As the SNL family reels from these sudden losses, Devon Walker's Instagram post offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes drama. The 34-year-old comedian shared a cheeky announcement of his own departure, comparing his time at SNL to a rocky romance. "Me and the show did three years together, and sometimes it was really cool," he wrote. "Sometimes it was toxic as hell." Walker's post sparked both sympathy and concern from fans, with many wondering if he left on good terms or got the boot.

Walker's tenure with SNL began in 2022 as a featured player in season 48. By 2024, he'd earned a spot on the main cast, quickly becoming known for his impressions of Michael Strahan, Van Jones, and NYC Mayor Eric Adams on "Weekend Update" alongside Colin Jost and Michael Che.

But behind the scenes, insiders hint at tension and creative disagreements that may have led to these departures. Lorne Michaels' plan to shake things up has left many wondering if this is a sign of bigger changes to come for SNL. The show's future looks uncertain as the highly anticipated season 51 premiere approaches on October 4.

And just when you thought it was all about SNL, Lorne Michaels dropped another bombshell: he's still reeling from CBS's surprise cancellation of Stephen Colbert's Late Show franchise. Michaels revealed his shock and disappointment at the decision, comparing it to a "historic run" being brought to an abrupt end. The move has sparked debate about the changing landscape of late-night TV, with many questioning whether traditional linear audiences are still relevant in today's TikTok-dominated world.

As the dust settles on this SNL shake-down, one thing is clear: the comedy world will be watching closely as these beloved stars navigate their next moves and Lorne Michaels' plans for the future unfold.