Saturday Night Live fans were left disappointed when two of the show's biggest stars departed prior to the season 51. But thankfully, we won't have to wait very long for the next collaboration between Ego Nwodim and Heidi Gardner.
Nwodim and Gardner were the two biggest names to leave SNL during the cast shakeup over the summer. Neither performer had anything left to prove at the show, but their combined absence has already left a noticeable gap in the cast just three episodes into the new season.
Now, Nwodim is gearing up to launch the second season of her podcast, Thanks Dad with Ego Nwodim. The comedy podcast features Nwodim interviewing guests about personal and family experiences, with particular emphasis given to their relationships with their fathers.
The season 2 premiere goes live on Tuesday, October 28, and will feature Nwodim in conversation with Heidi Gardner. The two will discuss becoming friends during their run at Saturday Night Live, Gardner's mother's ex-boyfriends, and more.
For Saturday Night Live fans, the episode should be a must-listen for behind-the-scenes stories and hearing Gardner and Nwodim playing off each other again. Nwodim joined SNL for season 44 as a featured player, just a year after Gardner made her debut. The duo went on to be centerpieces in the cast for years, so there is a lot to get to when they reunite on the podcast.
It also could be an opportunity for both performers to explain their respective decisions behind leaving Saturday Night Live. Previously, Gardner hinted at experiencing "sketch fatigue" and running out of ideas. For her part, Nwodim described SNL as a launching pad for a wider range of projects and opportunities to write and direct.
Nwodim's podcast recently made the move to iHeartMedia and Will Ferrell’s Big Money Players Network. It debuted in September 2024 and has featured Saturday Night Live stars Mikey Day, Kenan Thompson, Kyle Mooney, Tim Meadows, and Bobby Moynihan.
Thanks Dad with Ego Nwodim season 2 premiers on Tuesday, October 28. New episodes will drop weekly via the iHeartRadio app and other major podcast platforms. Videos will also be avaialble through the official YouTube channel.