Overview

• NBC named Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson and Veronika Slowikowska as new featured players for the upcoming season.
• Ben Marshall moves from the Please Don’t Destroy trio to on-air cast; John Higgins departs the show, and Martin Herlihy remains on the writing staff.
• Recent exits include Heidi Gardner after eight seasons, plus Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker and Emil Wakim, who announced their departures last week.
• Season 51 premieres Oct. 4 at 11:30 p.m. ET live on NBC and Peacock, following the show’s 50th anniversary year.
• The additions reflect a broader talent pipeline, with backgrounds spanning stand-up circuits, viral social media sketch, Upright Citizens Brigade and Dropout TV programming.