‘SNL’ Season 52 Cast: Who Left, Who Joined and Who Stayed

As Saturday Night Live gears up for its 52nd season, the makeup of its cast has largely stabilized, with only a few changes shaking up the ensemble less than two weeks before the September 26 premiere. The upcoming season will blend veteran presence with fresh talent, maintaining much of the previous year’s lineup while introducing promising new performers.

The departure of Bowen Yang, who exited midway through Season 51, marked one of the more significant exits this summer. Yang’s tenure was notable not only for his groundbreaking status as the show’s first openly gay Asian American cast member but also for his Emmy-nominated work and memorable characters on Weekend Update. Following him, Chloe Fineman, a seven-season veteran known for her sharp celebrity impressions and versatility, announced her exit in July, leaving a sizeable gap in the cast’s comedic range.

Additionally, Martin Herlihy, associated with the sketch troupe Please Don’t Destroy and a writer in recent seasons, will not return. His departure leaves Ben Marshall as the sole remaining member of the troupe on the main cast, after John Higgins left post-Season 50.

Despite these exits, the core of Season 51’s cast remains intact. Notably, the ensemble welcomes back all five newcomers from last season—Ben Marshall, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, Tommy Brennan, and Veronika Slowikowska—each having made their mark with distinctive sketches and character work. Veteran stalwarts such as Kenan Thompson, Colin Jost, Michael Che, and Mikey Day are also returning. Thompson continues his record-breaking tenure into his 24th season, carrying forward his legacy of memorable characters and sketches.

The Weekend Update desk will once again be helmed by Jost and Che, whose rapport has established a popular tradition of exchanging surprise jokes during holiday episodes, much to audience delight. Other familiar faces returning include Sarah Sherman, known for her avant-garde and sometimes grotesque comedy style, and James Austin Johnson, whose impersonations of political figures, particularly Donald Trump, have become a season highlight.

Among the cast’s younger contingent, Andrew Dismukes and Ashley Padilla return for their seventh and third seasons respectively, bringing their unique comedic voices and character-driven sketches. Jane Wickline and Veronika Slowikowska, both known for their quirky and offbeat humor, also continue their tenure, contributing to the show’s diverse comedic palette.

Season 52 also introduces two new cast members selected through extensive auditions held in major cities. Grace Reiter, hailing from Wisconsin, has built a following through her stand-up and digital presence, including roles in Tim Robinson’s comedy projects and the upcoming series Minimum Wage. Saidah Belo-Osagie, a Nigerian American comedian and filmmaker based in Brooklyn, brings a fresh perspective with her solo shows and film work, promising to enrich the show’s creative dynamic.

Returning performers like Marcello Hernández and Mikey Day maintain their momentum, both having established strong fan bases through recurring characters and standout sketches. Hernández’s portrayal of suave and memorable characters, combined with Day’s versatility and signature comedic timing, continue to anchor the show’s comedic offerings.

Season 52 aims to balance continuity with innovation, keeping the trusted performers who have shaped its recent success while infusing new energy through fresh talent. With Kenan Thompson’s enduring presence and the evolving cast mix, the iconic sketch series prepares to deliver another season of sharp satire and memorable comedy moments. The upcoming premiere, hosted by Jalen Brunson, promises to set the tone for a season that honors tradition while embracing new creative voices.