Overview

• Fineman told Extra the roster changes brought “a little heartbreak” and said she hasn’t fully processed the departures.
• NBC has confirmed five exits for Season 51: Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, Emil Wakim and John Higgins.
• The show added four newcomers — Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson and Veronika Slowikowska — and promoted Ben Marshall to featured player.
• Fineman returns for her seventh season alongside Kenan Thompson, Bowen Yang, Ego Nwodim, Colin Jost and Michael Che.
• Season 51 debuts Oct. 4, with Fineman expressing excitement for the new colleagues and joking about the youth of the incoming cast.