Former SNL Star Punkie Johnson Welcomes Departing Cast to "Outside"

As of August 29th, 2025, a major cast shakeup is underway at Saturday Night Live. In the past week, the show has announced the departures of several cast members, including Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, Michael Longfellow, and Heidi Gardner.

While cast changes are common between seasons, this particular shift seems to be more significant than usual. Punkie Johnson, a former SNL cast member who was let go from the show a year ago, has been weighing in on the recent departures.

Johnson appears to be trying to frame leaving SNL as not the end of the world. Following the announcement of Devon Walker's departure, she assured everyone that "everything is good outside." She expressed similar sentiments after the news of Emil Wakim's exit, saying that he now gets to experience the "outside" world.

The departures of Michael Longfellow and Heidi Gardner have been particularly surprising. Longfellow was rumored to be eyeing the Weekend Update desk, but instead, he'll be leaving the show entirely. As for Heidi Gardner, she had been a core member of the cast for eight seasons, making her departure even more unexpected.

Punkie Johnson seems to be offering a reassuring message to the departing cast members, suggesting that there is life and opportunity beyond the walls of 30 Rock. With the significant cast shakeup, it remains to be seen how Saturday Night Live will fare in the upcoming Season 51.