Why is Ego Nwodim leaving 'Saturday Night Live'?

Ego Nwodim, a longtime cast member of 'Saturday Night Live,' has decided to leave the show after 7 seasons, noting that "the hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight."

What other 'SNL' cast members are departing?

In addition to Ego Nwodim, several other 'SNL' cast members have also announced their departures, including Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, Michael Longfellow, and Heidi Gardner.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Longtime 'SNL' Star Ego Nwodim Exits After 7 Seasons

Longtime 'SNL' Star Ego Nwodim Exits After 7 Seasons

Q: How does 'SNL' executive producer Lorne Michaels view the cast changes?

Lorne Michaels, the executive producer of 'Saturday Night Live,' says that the show has always brought in new talent from different generations to revive itself, and that "it's always hard when people leave, but there's a time for that."

4 Oct

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Summary

Ego Nwodim leaving 'SNL' after 7 seasons
Several other cast members also departing the show
Lorne Michaels says cast changes are part of 'SNL' reviving itself

Longtime 'SNL' Star Ego Nwodim Exits After 7 Seasons

As 'Saturday Night Live' prepares to return for its 51st season on October 4th, 2025, the iconic sketch comedy show is undergoing a significant cast shakeup. In the latest departure, seven-year veteran Ego Nwodim has announced her decision to leave the show, noting that "the hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight."

Nwodim's exit follows the departures of several other 'SNL' cast members in recent weeks. Three-season alum Devon Walker was the first to depart, followed by Emil Wakim after just one season, Michael Longfellow after three seasons, and Heidi Gardner after eight.

'SNL' executive producer Lorne Michaels has addressed the cast changes, explaining that the show has always brought in new talent from different generations to revive itself. "It's always hard when people leave, but there's a time for that," Michaels told Entertainment Tonight last month.