As of April 2026, Saturday Night Live is navigating its historic 51st season. Following the massive cultural milestone of its 50th anniversary in 2025, the show entered a transformative "New Era" in 2026 with a cast that blends iconic veterans and a significant influx of fresh comedic talent.

The SNL cast in 2026 is defined by the steady leadership of Kenan Thompson, the continued dominance of the "Weekend Update" duo, and a group of five new featured players who joined to fill the void left by several high-profile departures.

The Full SNL Cast Roster for 2026

The 2026 roster (Season 51) is divided into two primary categories: the seasoned Repertory Players and the rising Featured Players.

Repertory Players

The Repertory Players are the established stars of the show, many of whom have become household names over the last several years.

  • Michael Che (Weekend Update Co-Anchor)
  • Mikey Day
  • Andrew Dismukes
  • Chloe Fineman
  • Marcello Hernández
  • James Austin Johnson
  • Colin Jost (Weekend Update Co-Anchor)
  • Sarah Sherman
  • Kenan Thompson

Featured Players

The Featured Players are the newer additions who are working toward tenure. In late 2025 and throughout 2026, this group became the largest it has been in years.

  • Tommy Brennan
  • Jeremy Culhane
  • Ben Marshall
  • Ashley Padilla
  • Kam Patterson
  • Veronika Slowikowska
  • Jane Wickline

The Anchors of Studio 8H: Repertory Players in Focus

Kenan Thompson: The Record-Breaker

In 2026, Kenan Thompson remains the undisputed anchor of Saturday Night Live. Now well into his third decade on the show, Thompson’s presence provides a vital link to the show’s legacy. His ability to elevate even the simplest premise through his reactions and timing continues to be the show's most reliable asset. Whether he is playing "Reese De’What" in Cinema Classics or hosting a fictional game show, Thompson is the foundation upon which Season 51 is built.

James Austin Johnson: The Impressionist King

James Austin Johnson has solidified his role as the show's political lead. In 2026, his meticulously crafted impression of Donald Trump remains a staple of the Cold Opens, but he has expanded his repertoire to include a wide range of political figures and celebrities. His technical precision in voice work has made him indispensable for the show's satirical segments.

The Rise of Marcello Hernández and Sarah Sherman

2026 has seen Marcello Hernández and Sarah Sherman move into the top tier of the cast. Hernández has successfully brought a bilingual and high-energy flair to the show, often stealing scenes in sketches that highlight his comedic timing. Meanwhile, Sarah Sherman continues to push the boundaries of "body horror" comedy and surrealist humor, making her segments some of the most viral and talked-about clips on social media.

The New Class: Who Are the New Featured Players in 2026?

Heading into Season 51, Lorne Michaels oversaw one of the biggest casting shake-ups in recent memory. Five new players joined the cast in September 2025 and have become integral parts of the 2026 episodes.

Ben Marshall and the "Please Don't Destroy" Legacy

One of the most notable additions is Ben Marshall. Known for his work as one-third of the comedy trio Please Don't Destroy, Marshall moved from a writing and digital short role into a full-fledged featured player. While the trio's pre-recorded videos remain a highlight, Marshall’s transition to live sketches has allowed him to showcase his versatility beyond his established persona.

Tommy Brennan and Kam Patterson

Both Brennan and Patterson arrived at Studio 8H with strong backgrounds in stand-up comedy. Tommy Brennan has brought a "straight man" energy that was missing after several veteran departures, while Kam Patterson’s distinct voice and laid-back comedic style (honed on the Kill Tony podcast) have made him a fan favorite during his appearances on Weekend Update.

Veronika Slowikowska and Jeremy Culhane

Veronika Slowikowska, a breakout star from the social media comedy scene and Canadian improv circuits, has been praised for her high-concept characters and physical comedy. Jeremy Culhane, an alumnus of the Upright Citizens Brigade and a regular on Dropout TV, brings a seasoned improviser’s wit to the ensemble, often appearing in complex character pieces.

Major Departures: Why Bowen Yang and Others Left SNL

The transition to 2026 was marked by the absence of several long-term cast members who helped define the late 2010s and early 2020s.

The Mid-Season Exit of Bowen Yang

Perhaps the most significant change in the 2026 SNL landscape is the departure of Bowen Yang. Yang, who joined as a writer in 2018 and became a cast member in 2019, concluded his time on the show during the first half of Season 51. His final episode aired on December 20, 2025, hosted by his Wicked co-star Ariana Grande. Yang's exit left a massive void in the show's character-driven comedy and its cultural commentary, as he was responsible for many of the most iconic "Update" characters of the decade, such as the Iceberg That Sank the Titanic.

The Post-Season 50 Exodus

Several other key members left the show at the end of the 50th anniversary season to pursue other projects:

  • Heidi Gardner: After eight seasons, Gardner departed in 2025. Her ability to play grounded, relatable characters and high-stress "Update" guests made her a cornerstone of the show.
  • Ego Nwodim: Nwodim voluntarily left after seven seasons. Her characters like "Dionne Warwick" and "Edith Puthie" were among the most celebrated in recent years.
  • Devon Walker and Michael Longfellow: Both were let go after three seasons as part of a strategic tightening of the roster heading into the 51st year.

Weekend Update in 2026: The Jost and Che Dynamic

The "Weekend Update" desk remains under the stewardship of Colin Jost and Michael Che. In 2026, they are the longest-running duo in the history of the segment. Their chemistry, characterized by playful ribbing and the "joke swap" tradition, remains the highest-rated part of the show.

Despite rumors of a potential retirement following the 50th anniversary, both anchors returned for Season 51 to provide stability during the cast transition. However, the 2026 season has seen more frequent guest appearances from featured players like Jane Wickline and Kam Patterson, suggesting that the show is actively testing potential successors for the desk.

Milestone: The 1,000th Episode of Saturday Night Live

A pivotal moment for the SNL cast in 2026 was the airing of the show's 1,000th episode on January 31, 2026. Hosted by Alexander Skarsgård with musical guest Cardi B, the episode served as both a retrospective and a showcase for the current cast.

The episode featured numerous cameos from legendary alumni like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Seth Meyers, but it was the current 2026 cast that carried the bulk of the original sketches. This milestone was viewed by critics as a "passing of the torch," proving that the Season 51 roster could hold its own alongside the show's greatest icons.

How to Watch SNL in 2026

For fans looking to catch the 2026 cast in action, the show continues its long-standing broadcast tradition.

  • Network: NBC
  • Streaming: Peacock (available live and next-day)
  • Time: 11:30 PM ET / 8:30 PM PT on Saturdays
  • Global Access: Selected sketches and full episodes are available on YouTube and international streaming platforms shortly after the live broadcast.

FAQ: Saturday Night Live 2026 Cast

Who is the longest-serving cast member on SNL in 2026?

Kenan Thompson is the longest-tenured cast member in the history of Saturday Night Live. Having joined in 2003, he is currently in his 23rd season in 2026.

Is Bowen Yang still on SNL in 2026?

No. Bowen Yang left the show in December 2025 during the first half of Season 51. His final appearance as a regular cast member was the Christmas episode hosted by Ariana Grande.

When does SNL Season 51 end?

Season 51 is scheduled to conclude on May 16, 2026, with Will Ferrell as the host and Paul McCartney as the musical guest.

Who are the new cast members for the 2025-2026 season?

The five new featured players added for Season 51 are Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska.

Did Heidi Gardner leave SNL?

Yes, Heidi Gardner departed Saturday Night Live following the conclusion of Season 50 in 2025.

Summary of the 2026 SNL Era

The SNL cast of 2026 represents a pivotal chapter in the show's history. By successfully navigating the transition from the blockbuster 50th anniversary season into the "New Era" of Season 51, the current ensemble has proven its resilience. While the loss of stars like Bowen Yang and Heidi Gardner was felt, the emergence of new voices like Tommy Brennan and Veronika Slowikowska, combined with the veteran presence of Kenan Thompson and the "Weekend Update" anchors, ensures that Saturday Night Live remains the premiere destination for late-night comedy. As the season marches toward its May finale, the 2026 cast has successfully redefined the show's identity for a new generation of viewers.