Overview

• At the Fast Company Innovation Festival, Nwodim said SNL was "always meant to be a stepping stone" and outlined plans to focus on directing and expanded writing.
• Her Sept. 12 announcement came after NBC had indicated the Season 51 returning cast was set, making her decision a late surprise.
• Her exit is part of wider Season 51 changes that include departures by Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow and Emil Wakim, with Please Don't Destroy also reconfigured.
• Nwodim joined SNL in 2018, became a repertory player in 2020, and gained traction with viral bits such as "Lisa From Temecula" and her "Miss Eggy" Weekend Update character.
• She recalled that a "Miss Eggy" call-and-response unexpectedly led the audience to shout an expletive on air, which she said raised potential FCC concerns.