As Lorne Michaels Confirmed A Shakeup In SNL’s Season 51 Cast, He Also Revealed One Comedian Who Will Be Returning

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The 51st season of Saturday Night Live is rapidly approaching in the 2025 TV lineup, and we’re all eager to discover who will compose the new cast and who will kick off as both host and musical guest. Although the details are yet to be revealed, SNL head Lorne Michaels has hinted that there will be changes among the cast this season. Additionally, he’s shared that one comedian will remain part of the show.

Lorne Michaels Confirmed That Cast Members Will Leave Ahead Of SNL Season 51

Perhaps.

Affirmative. During the previous season, it was around four in the morning at our first show’s party when Dana Carvey (playing Joe Biden) approached me and mentioned, “I don’t think anyone knows you contacted me on June 4th [to play Biden].” I desired continuity for those returning and contributing to our 50th season. Consequently, when Kate McKinnon hosted the show, both Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph returned to join in the celebration. This ensured minimal cast disruptions and maintained focus on the significant milestone of our 50th season. Moreover, an election was ongoing at that time as well.

During Season 49, Punkie Johnson, Molly Kearney, and Chloe Troast departed, but the majority of the cast remained unchanged. While new members did join as well, the core cast generally stayed the same across seasons.

Following Michaels’ detailed explanation about the similarities between Season 50’s and 49’s cast, rather than shedding light on Season 51’s lineup, there was a question regarding the need for reinvention. When asked if he feels the pressure to reinvent for the upcoming season, his response was affirmative.

Yeah, for sure. It’ll be announced in a week or so.

At least now, we can expect more clarity in the near future. But interestingly enough, even here, we were given a piece of information, specifically that one SNL cast member will be coming back.

Lorne Michaels Revealed That James Austin Johnson Will Be Returning

Yes, he will.

Yes.

Given the remarkable authenticity of James Austin Johnson’s Trump portrayal, it’s no wonder that SNL’s ongoing political satire has produced such results. As we approach Season 51, Johnson will be making his fifth consecutive appearance on the show, a testament to his established status as a cast member and one of the most talented impersonators within the group. It’s not hard to understand why Lorne Michaels was swift to confirm his return.

Currently, there’s some uncertainty regarding whether James Austin Johnson or Mikey Day will return, as Mikey expressed his desire to stay for as long as possible. On the other hand, Bowen Yang, in discussing SNL 50, gave off a vibe that suggests he might be leaving.

Lorne Michaels has said that we’ll learn about the cast for Season 51 sooner instead of later. Until then, you can catch up on Season 50 using Peacock, and jot down who you’d like to see return in the future.

Regardless of the circumstances, always keep in mind that change is constant (particularly with SNL), and it can be a positive aspect. No matter who forms the new cast, I’m confident we’re in for another thrilling journey when Saturday Night Live comes back on its designated day.

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2025-08-22 22:40