SNL: Cecily Strong, Aidy Bryant, and Kate McKinnon all returning

Saturday Night Live will welcome back three of its best performers for season 47. Cecily Strong, Aidy Bryant, and Kate McKinnon all return when the new season of SNL starts on Oct. 2.

The news came on the same day it was announced that Beck Bennett was stepping away from the show after eight years. Featured player Lauren Holt will also depart SNL.

The trio of Strong, Bryant, and McKinnon has long been the backbone of SNL along with Kenan Thompson. A certain level of uncertainty hovered around their future, but any concern was put to rest when it was confirmed that Strong, Bryant, and McKinnon will remain cast members.

As recently as last week, Strong indicated she still wasn’t certain about her SNL future. Fans starting connecting dots as far back as the season 46 finale when Strong, as Judge Jeanine Pirro, sang “My Way” in a giant glass of wine.

A segment in which Strong, Bryant, McKinnon, and Thompson all discussed the challenges of making SNL during the pandemic also fueled speculation that all or some of them were saying goodbye.

Fans may still see less of Cecily Strong, Aidy Bryant, and Kate McKinnon on SNL

While the confirmed return of these three fan-favorites is good news, there is still the chance some fans won’t be completely thrilled with season 47. In an interview over the summer, Strong, Bryant, and McKinnon all mentioned they were juggling other projects with SNL.

Strong filmed episode of her Apple TV+ series Schmigadoon! while Bryant worked on her Hulu show Shrill during the SNL season. McKinnon indicated she has filming commitments in Australia around the time SNL returns.

According to a Variety source, Lorne Michaels will continue to give cast members the freedom to work on other projects outside of SNL during the season. The large cast size should work to SNL’s advantage in covering for any absences.

That means that while Strong, Bryant, and McKinnon will be back for season 47, they may not be back as often as fans want. Still, considering the alternative, audiences can appreciate the trio sticking around for at least one more season.

Are you happy to hear that Cecily Strong, Aidy Bryant, and Kate McKinnon will be back on Saturday Night Live this season? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.