After the sketch comedy's milestone 50th season, putting a bow on its 50th installment. But more so than in other recent years, there have been questions over which cast might not be back for Saturday Night Live season 51. It's a question that has received a bit of attention on SNL itself, often through quick jokes by the performers.

Speaking to Page Six at the Reel Works 24th Changemakers Gala, Thompson shared that SNL season 51 will see a lot of changes and revealed that he hasn't negotiated a new contract yet, though he hopes to return. Thompson, who ed the sketch comedy back in 2003, making him the show's longest-tenured cast member, talks in the quote below about the feeling of wishing everyone could stay:

“Especially this year where it feels like there’s maybe, possibly, a lot of change next year. You want everyone to stay forever, knowing that people may be making decisions this summer…it’s always like you want your kids to stay young.”

What Thompson's Comments Mean For SNL's Future

A Few Could Be Eyeing The Exits

Cast turnovers between seasons of the long-running comedy are nothing new, though the latest rounds of speculation may be more intense because of the significance of SNL50. The milestone season featured a celebration that stretched for months, including a celebratory documentary and surprise guests. In its aftermath, there have been rumors that Colin Jost and Sarah Sherman will be departing.

Sherman has been with SNL since October 2021, making some sly references to her departure in the Saturday Night Live season 50 finale. But some of the biggest speculation has revolved around whether Weekend Update co-host Jost could be exiting, since he is seen as a likely contender to take over for SNL's top boss, Lorne Michaels. This all remains speculative. Michaels has said in recent years that he has no immediate plans to retire. As for the cast , though they've joked about leaving, nothing is confirmed.

Our Take On The Next SNL Exits

It Will Be Revealed Before The New Season

Confirmation about changes to the Saturday Night Live ensemble will be revealed closer to the show's debut. In a lot of cases, such as with Weekend Update's Michael Che, he's mentioned leaving the NBC show in his stand-up comedy performances, but nothing has come of it. It will definitely be a major change, however, if both Weekend Update hosts are gone.

Source: Page Six