SNL: Cecily Strong, Aidy Bryant, and Kate McKinnon on their futures

We’re about two months away from Saturday Night Live season 47. But there remains uncertainty around three of the show’s biggest cast members: Aidy Bryant, Kate McKinnon, and Cecily Strong. The veteran cast members discussed their SNL futures in a recent interview.

Given how long the trio has been at Studio 8H, it made sense that fans began wondering if season 46 was the last call. The past two seasons have been difficult due to the COVID-19 pandemic and none of the performers have clearly stated their plans.

In a new interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Bryant, McKinnon, and Strong reflected on season 46 and gave a small glimpse into the future.

For Aidy Bryant, the flexibility at Saturday Night Live makes it easier for her to take her time with any decision about returning. She told THR:

"I feel like SNL makes you incredibly good at not banking on anything. You’re able to take it minute by minute by minute, and you almost realize how foolish it is to do anything else. So, at least for the three of us, I feel like that’s become our approach on coming back or, really, about anything. Just take it minute by minute and see."

Cecily Stong agreed, joking that there was no real point in making plans because of how easily things could change. However, when discussing how SNL allowed her to miss time for other projects, she expressed gratitude for having that freedom to always come home:

"I’d say the fact that SNL changed a little is what meant so much because they made it feel like we were coming home and we could go home — that we were welcome to leave and welcome to come back, which makes it more like a home."

Kate McKinnon gave perhaps the most concrete answer, suggesting that she intends to return for season 47. The performer explained that she’ll be off shooting something in Australia, but looks forward to seeing what it’s like to return to SNL. McKinnon went on to describe why she loves the opportunity SNL provides:

"I love coming back to a family and to the immediacy of thinking of something on a Tuesday and shooting it and airing it a few days later — there’s just nothing else like it. And you can do things that you couldn’t do in any other format, and you can speak directly to the people in a way that you can’t with other formats. It’s so, so gratifying."

Fans certainly want an answer about the trio’s future as soon as possible. Lorne Michaels has expressed his desire for everyone to return, and specifically stated he doesn’t think Strong is done yet. So we’ll have to wait to see what kind of influence that has in the individual decisions facing Bryant, McKinnon, and Strong.

When does SNL’s new season start?

Aidy Bryant, Kate McKinnon, and Cecily Strong still have time to decide on their Saturday Night Live futures. Going by SNL history, the new season won’t start until early October. No definitive date has been announced, but Oct. 3 looks like a safe bet for SNL season 47.

In the meantime, fans can check out the show’s official YouTube channel to revisit their favorite sketches. Last Night On also has fantastic episode recaps from season 46. And Peacock subscribers have access to a gold mine of SNL content.

Do you hope Aidy Bryant, Kate McKinnon, and Cecily Strong return to SNL? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.