It seems like “Saturday Night Live” is cleaning house before its 51st season. In a surprising turn of events, two more cast members, Devon Walker and Emil Wakim, have announced their departures from the iconic sketch comedy show. This news comes hot on the heels of other recent cast and writer exits, leaving fans wondering what’s going on behind the scenes at Studio 8H.
Devon Walker, who joined the cast in 2022, dropped the news on Instagram, stating that his three years on the show were a mixed bag. He described the experience as “really cool” at times, but also “toxic as hell.” While he didn’t go into specifics, his comments have certainly raised some eyebrows. Walker, however, seems to be looking forward to the future, calling his exit “good news” and saying it was simply “time for me to do something different.” You can read more about his departure on CNN.
Just a day later, Emil Wakim, who was a featured player for only one season, also announced he wouldn’t be returning. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he called the news a “gut punch” and shared that he found out while at Six Flags. Despite the disappointment, Wakim expressed his gratitude for the experience, calling it “the most terrifying, thrilling, and rewarding experience of my life.” He also thanked Lorne Michaels for taking a chance on him. For more on Wakim’s exit, check out the stories on Deadline and USA Today.
With these latest departures, it’s clear that “SNL” is undergoing a significant transition. Lorne Michaels had previously hinted at a cast shake-up for Season 51, and it looks like he’s making good on that promise. While it’s always sad to see talented performers leave, it also opens the door for new faces and fresh perspectives. We’ll have to wait and see who joins the cast when “SNL” returns for its 51st season on October 4th.