Kenan Thompson, the longest-tenured cast member on “Saturday Night Live,” recently hinted at potential changes coming to the show for its upcoming 51st season. In a recent interview, Thompson suggested that there could be “a lot of change next year” for the iconic sketch comedy series. Thompson, who has been a part of the show for 22 seasons, expressed his desire for everyone to stay on the show forever.
However, he acknowledged that some cast members might be making decisions about their future with the show over the summer. “You want everyone to stay forever, knowing that people may be making decisions this summer,” Thompson said. “It’s always like you want your kids to stay young.”
Despite his long tenure on the show, Thompson revealed that he has not yet signed a contract for his 23rd season.
He remains open to the possibility of returning but also recognizes the uncertainty of the future. “You just never know what the future holds,” Thompson said. “I don’t want to be in the way of someone else, or I don’t want to be the stale old man riding the same thing.
Kenan hints at SNL changes
That doesn’t really happen that much at SNL, but there are no guarantees.”
The season 50 finale, which aired last week, featured some subtle jokes about potential cast changes. In one sketch, Sarah Sherman’s character was forced out of the show without her knowledge.
In another segment, Michael Che had Colin Jost read a line threatening to take over from long-time boss Lorne Michaels. Despite the speculation about cast departures, no official announcements have been made. Bowen Yang, who some fans thought might be leaving after an emotional hug with Sherman during the finale, confirmed that the moment was simply a heartfelt display to mark the end of the season.
The current “Saturday Night Live” cast consists of 17 members, with six veterans who have been on the show for seven or more seasons. These include Colin Jost, Michael Che, Mikey Day, Heidi Gardner, Ego Nwodim, and Kenan Thompson. As the show prepares for its 51st season, fans and cast members alike are bracing for potential changes.
Thompson’s comments offer a glimpse into the uncertain yet evolving nature of the beloved sketch comedy institution.
