Saturday Night Live: Where’s Cecily Strong?
By Matt Moore
Last week, Saturday Night Live returned with a very different look. Several familiar faces were gone, and many fans were left asking where was Cecily Strong.
SNL season 48 premiered without some cast members many considered synonymous with the show in recent years. Kate McKinnon, Pete Davidson, Aidy Bryant, Kyle Mooney, Melissa Villasenor, Alex Moffat, Chris Redd, and Aristotle Athari did not return this year for one reason or another.
But what about Cecily Strong? She was absent from both the show’s introductions and every sketch in the premiere hosted by Miles Teller.
That’s because Strong was on the other side of the country, starring in a one-woman show. The comedian currently stars in The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe playing at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, California.
It’s the same play and role that Strong took on last year in an off-Broadway production. SNL fans may recall she missed a few episodes during last season.
Lorne Michaels is a producer on the LA version of The Search, so Strong had approval from SNL to pursue this opportunity. It backs up what many SNL cast members have said about Michaels being more flexible regarding their schedule during the season. Don’t forget Kate McKinnon missed time to film her Carol Baskin role, Pete Davidson took time off to do movies, and Aidy Bryant also took a leave to make Shrill.
When will Cecily Strong return to Saturday Night Live?
The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe is scheduled to run through October 23. Saturday Night Live has episodes scheduled for October 8 and October 15.
It’s likely the show will take off October 22 and return for a Halloween episode on October 29. That would be the earliest SNL fans should expect to see Strong back in Studio 8H.
However, Strong may want to take some time to herself and recharge before jumping back on stage. In addition to catching up with a cast and crew that will already have three episodes under their collective belt, Strong will also be moving back across the country. Fans shouldn’t blame her if she chooses to take a little more time to adjust.
Related Story. Conan O'Brien cast in movie from SNL's Please Don't Destroy. light
Did you notice Cecily Strong was missing in the SNL season premiere? Do you think the show can tread water without her? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!