Overview
- Gardner departs after eight seasons and Longfellow exits after three, joining recent departures Devon Walker and Emil Wakim.
- Writers Celeste Yim and Rosebud Baker are also leaving ahead of the new season.
- Longfellow was reported to have screen-tested for Weekend Update in May, raising fresh questions about the segment’s future lineup.
- Michaels said he plans to “shake things up” and confirmed James Austin Johnson will continue portraying President Donald Trump in Season 51.
- Season 51 premieres Oct. 4 on NBC and Peacock, with additional casting news expected soon.