Overview

• On her talk show, Shepherd called the situation an emergency and urged SNL to hurry up and find a replacement.
• She noted SNL’s history of casting Black men for Black women in sketches, citing Kenan Thompson as Whoopi Goldberg and Tracy Morgan portraying her.
• Shepherd named comedians Tacarra Williams, B-Phlat, Yamaneika Saunders, and Robin Montague as potential hires.
• Nwodim departed in September after seven seasons and said she was immensely grateful to Lorne Michaels, the cast, writers, and crew.
• Season 51 added five new cast members but no Black women, and coverage underscores that only eight Black women have been cast in SNL’s 50-year history.