SNL: Pete Davidson, Kate McKinnon, Aidy Bryant, Kyle Mooney reportedly leaving

Expect to see a lot of goodbyes in Saturday Night Live‘s season 47 finale. Cast members Pete Davidson, Kate McKinnon, Aidy Bryant, and Kyle Mooney are all expected to leave SNL after Saturday’s episode.

According to Deadline, the four veteran cast members have made it clear that they won’t be back next season. It reflects a significant change in the cast, which has been largely made up of experienced performers.

Deadline also reports that a group farewell is expected for Davidson, McKinnon, Bryant, and Mooney. The season 47 finale will be hosted by Russian Doll star Natasha Lyonne.

For Davidson, the writing has been on the wall for some time. He’s been busy with projects outside of SNL and past comments indicate he’s satisfied with his SNL tenure. The comedian’s next project is Bupkis, a Curb Your Enthusiasm-style show based on his life coming to Peacock.

Speculation about McKinnon and Bryant departing has been swirling for years now. However, the pandemic’s impact on the show may have encouraged them to stick around in hopes of a more typical season in which to say goodbye. Both comedians have sitcoms and other projects lined up for life after SNL.

Mooney leaves one year after his comedy partner Beck Bennett said his farewell to Saturday Night Live. Last year, he launched the Netflix series Saturday Morning All Star Hits!.

No word on other SNL cast members’ futures

Pete Davidson, Kate McKinnon, Aidy Bryant, and Kyle Mooney all served at least eight seasons on Saturday Night Live. Other current performers with that kind of tenure include Colin Jost, Michael Che, Cecily Strong, and of course, Kenan Thompson.

Deadline’s report did not include any updates on these other veteran cast members. Cecily Strong’s name is often tied to Bryant and McKinnon, with many fans expecting all three to leave together. However, Strong’s future remains uncertain.

If Colin Jost and Michael Che decided to leave as well, it would mean an even bigger shakeup beyond the cast. “Weekend Update” would get new anchors and the show would likely replace the two head writers, who share the duty with Kent Sublette, Alison Gates, and Streeter Seidell.

Kenan Thompson has never given any hint that he’s ready to walk away from SNL. NBC canceled his sitcom Kenan, so the actor may have more of a reason to stick around Studio 8H.

What do you think of this potential major change at SNL? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.