Martin Herlihy Departs ‘SNL’ After 5 Seasons

Martin Herlihy, known for his distinctive comedic voice on Saturday Night Live, is departing the iconic sketch show after five seasons, according to a report by TheWrap. His tenure at SNL, which began in 2021, was marked by his role as a writer and performer, particularly as part of the sketch comedy group Please Don’t Destroy.

Please Don’t Destroy, a trio composed of Herlihy alongside Ben Marshall and John Higgins, quickly earned recognition for their offbeat prerecorded sketches featured on SNL. Their work included appearances by high-profile celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Bad Bunny, contributing to the show's evolving comedic landscape.

Initially hired together in 2021, the group's dynamic shifted during Season 51. John Higgins exited the series to explore other projects, while Ben Marshall transitioned from writing to becoming a full-time cast member. Herlihy remained on the writing staff, continuing to contribute both behind the scenes and on-screen.

Herlihy’s sketches often showcased a unique style where he would deliver humor from an old-fashioned armchair, offering absurd advice or narrating bizarre situations. Notable examples include "Blowing It" and "Social Experiment," which highlighted his capacity for combining wit with a distinctive presentation format. One of his standout sketches, "Green Flags," deviated from this pattern by portraying a humorous situation where Herlihy’s character attempts to conceal an erotic Lego collection from a date, played by Ashley Padilla.

Beyond his work on SNL, Herlihy, Marshall, and Higgins collaborated on the film "Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain," which premiered on Peacock in 2023. This project expanded their comedic reach beyond television, showcasing their versatility as both writers and performers.

Herlihy’s experience extends into other acting roles, with credits in productions such as "The Running Man," "Happy Gilmore 2," "Roommates," and "The Breadwinner," illustrating a diverse portfolio that complements his writing career.

His departure from SNL is notable given his frequent appearances on the show despite being a writer rather than a full cast member. As Season 52 approaches, set to return on September 26, Herlihy’s absence marks a significant change for the program’s creative lineup.

In related news, longtime cast member Chloe Fineman also announced her exit from SNL earlier this year. Both Fineman and Herlihy are currently the only confirmed regulars not returning for the upcoming season. However, with the new season's debut approaching, additional departures or changes among the cast and writing staff cannot be ruled out at this time.

While the reasons behind Herlihy’s decision to leave have not been publicly disclosed, his contributions have left a distinct imprint on SNL’s recent comedic direction. Fans and industry observers alike will watch closely to see how the show adapts to the evolving composition of its creative team.