So this just in: Heidi Gardner—the definitive SNL fixture with eight solid seasons under her belt—has officially left the building. And let’s be clear: she’s not the first to go and, if the trend keeps up, she likely won’t be the last.
Gardner, a late-2010s Groundlings alum turned sketch superstar, joined in 2017 and became a repertory player by 2019. She made running through Weekend Update with Bailey Gismert, Angel, and that unforgettable Beavis-and-Butt-head break not just possible, but adorable. Now, she’s stepping off the stage—and fans are livid.
What’s a little weird is that none of this comes with an official “voluntary exit” sign, even though Gardner herself admitted earlier this year to a touch of “sketch fatigue” on Craig Ferguson’s podcast. But in the same breath, she hinted she’s ready for characters—and shows—she can ‘live in for a while.’ Sounds nice, but not exactly a mic-drop.
The exodus isn’t limited to her. SNL has lost Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, and Emil Wakim. Writers Celeste Yim (the very first out trans writer on the show) and Rosebud Baker are also out the door. All this as Lorne Michaels, now in his 51st year of creative reign, shuffles the deck like a head-scratching Elvis impersonator. Is he clearing house? The vibe definitely leans toward a cast reboot—forceful or not.
From the fan side? I’m fully on Team Gardner—and all these departed cast members. These are artists who built memorable moments week after week, and now they’re being shown the exit while academics in executive chairs play pass-the-parcel with new hires. Don’t get me wrong, change can be productive—but when it feels wholesale, a bit brutal, and weirdly timed, it’s hard not to read it as something more punitive than pruning.
Still, let’s give credit where it’s due: Gardner has already dyed her hands in other projects—her roles in Hustle, Shrinking, and You suggest she’ll be back bigger and better than ever. And while we’re bracing for Season 51’s debut this fall, her exit throws a spotlight on the question: will SNL ever feel the same without the likes of her behind Weekend Update?
