How did Caleb Hearon's 'SNL' rejection impact his career?

Caleb Hearon's rejection from 'SNL' motivated him to start posting videos online, which quickly grew his following from 3,000 to 120,000 by the end of 2019. This led to him securing a team, agents, and a manager, ultimately contributing to the success he enjoys today, including an HBO comedy special.

What did Caleb Hearon think of the 'SNL' audition process?

Caleb Hearon described the 'SNL' audition process as "archaic" and not a place for him to work, citing the show's policy of telling people to lose weight as one of the reasons.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Comedian Caleb Hearon Glad He Didn't Land 'SNL' Gig, Calls Audition Process 'Archaic'

Comedian Caleb Hearon Glad He Didn't Land 'SNL' Gig, Calls Audition Process 'Archaic'

Q: Why is Caleb Hearon glad he didn't get the 'SNL' job?

Caleb Hearon is glad he didn't get the 'SNL' job because he felt the show's audition process was "archaic" and not a good fit for him, and he disliked the show's policy of telling people to lose weight.

4 Oct, 2025

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Summary

Comedian Caleb Hearon auditioned for 'SNL' but is now glad he didn't get the job
Hearon described the 'SNL' audition process as "archaic" and not a good fit for him
Hearon's rejection from 'SNL' motivated him to start posting content online, leading to his success

Comedian Caleb Hearon Glad He Didn't Land 'SNL' Gig, Calls Audition Process 'Archaic'

In September 2025, comedian Caleb Hearon revealed that he had auditioned for "Saturday Night Live" in the past, but is ultimately glad he didn't get the job. Hearon, whose HBO comedy special "Caleb Hearon: Model Comedian" premiered last month, shared his experience on the "Good One" podcast.

Hearon explained that he had the opportunity to audition for the "SNL" team, including creator Lorne Michaels, through a character showcase at iO Chicago. After preparing for the showcase for a year and delivering a strong performance, Hearon was invited to join Michaels and others for drinks at the Ritz. He was then asked to fly out to New York to audition at Studio 8H, but Hearon felt the in-studio audition process was "archaic" and not a good fit for him.