Overview

• Yang says Lorne Michaels urged him to remain, telling him, “There’s more for you to do. I need you,” and reassured him that viewers aren’t tired of him.
• Recent departures include Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker and Emil Wakim.
• New performers reported for Season 51 include Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson and Veronika Slowikowska.
• Yang called SNL a “boot camp” and “launching pad” and said returning without departing colleagues is emotional.
• Season 51 premieres Oct. 4 at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.