Overview

• Nwodim announced her departure on Instagram on Friday, thanking Lorne Michaels, cast, writers and crew after seven seasons.
• The move reverses her inclusion on this week’s list of returning performers for Season 51.
• She is the fifth cast member confirmed out between seasons, alongside Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker and Emil Wakim.
• Five newcomers — Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, Veronika Slowikowska and Ben Marshall — bring the cast to 17.
• Deadline and TheWrap report she chose to leave after Michaels told talent the roster was set, as NBC readies the Oct. 4 premiere with Kenan Thompson, Colin Jost, Michael Che and James Austin Johnson returning.