Chloe Fineman still hasn't 'fully processed' the 'heartbreak' of SNL cast shakeups

Published: Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 6:01 pm

SNL's Chloe Fineman Reflects on Cast Changes and Season 51

New York, NY - As Saturday Night Live gears up for its 51st season, cast member Chloe Fineman is candidly addressing the recent departures and welcoming the new faces joining the iconic sketch comedy show. Speaking with Extra TV at New York Fashion Week, Fineman, who joined SNL in 2019, expressed a mix of emotions regarding the cast shakeups.

Fineman acknowledged the "heartbreak" and "sadness" associated with the departures, noting that she hasn't fully processed the changes. She highlighted the show's history of cast turnover, emphasizing that the departing cast members will remain in her life.

Several cast members will not be returning for the upcoming season, including Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, and John Higgins. However, Ben Marshall of the comedy trio Please Don't Destroy has been promoted to a feature player.

Alongside Fineman, several established cast members are expected to return, including Bowen Yang, Kenan Thompson, Ego Nwodim, Marcello Hernndez, Colin Jost, and Michael Che. The new season will also introduce newcomers Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska.

Fineman expressed excitement for the new cast members, joking about their youth. She also shared her anticipation for diving into new impressions, including the popular "mom with a thousand texts on Netflix" character from the true crime docuseries *Unknown Number: The High School Catfish*. Fineman also hinted at potential political impressions, including a possible Melania Trump imitation.

BNN's Perspective:

While change is inevitable in the world of live television, the constant turnover at SNL can be a double-edged sword. It allows for fresh talent and new perspectives, but also risks losing the established chemistry and beloved characters that audiences have come to cherish. The show's longevity speaks to its ability to adapt, and we look forward to seeing how the new cast members and Fineman's impressions will shape the upcoming season.

Keywords: SNL, Chloe Fineman, cast changes, season 51, Saturday Night Live, impressions, comedy, New York Fashion Week, Heidi Gardner, Bowen Yang, Kenan Thompson, Ego Nwodim, Marcello Hernndez, Colin Jost, Michael Che, Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, Veronika Slowikowska, Melania Trump, Ben Marshall, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, John Higgins, Please Don't Destroy, Unknown Number: The High School Catfish

Full Story