Saturday Night Live seems to be undergoing a change in several of the stars set to return, and yet another one revealed that they wouldn’t be returning to the show for its 51st season.
What SNL star won’t be returning for Season 51?
Emil Wakim, who joined the series last year for its 50th season, revealed on Instagram that he wouldn’t be returning to the show. Wakim’s post seems to suggest that it was not his choice to not return, calling the decision a “gut punch” when SNL called him.
“I won’t be returning to SNL next year. It was a gut punch of a call to get but I’m so grateful for my time there,” Wakim said in his post.
Wakim joined the show alongside Ashley Padilla and Jane Wickline as a featured player for 2024-25. Wakim appeared in a variety of sketches, but was most notable for his multiple appearances on the show’s Weekend Update news segment, where he’d often tell a story or talk about current events.
Wakim’s exit is just one of many for SNL’s 51st season. Devon Walker also announced this week that he was not asked to return. In an interview with Puck last week, legendary producer Lorne Michaels said that SNL would see some changes coming to the show, though it’s unclear exactly what else is planned for the show.
Saturday Night Live is currently set to premiere its 51st season on NBC on October 4, 2025. No host or musical guest has been announced for the episode as of yet.
