It truly appears that NBC’s late-night variety show, Saturday Night Live, is entering a new era. On Monday, comedian Chris Redd announced that he’s planning to leave the legendary sketch series after five seasons.
“Being a part of SNL has been the experience of a lifetime. Five years ago, I walked into 30 Rock knowing that this was an amazing opportunity for growth,” Redd told Variety.
“Now, with friends who have become family and memories I will cherish forever, I’m grateful to Lorne Michaels and to the entire SNL organization. From the bottom of my heart, I can’t thank you all enough.”
Redd is far from the only veteran cast member to leave Saturday Night Live. Earlier this year, Kate McKinnon, Aidy Bryant, Kyle Mooney and Pete Davidson all revealed that they’d be leaving the show. At the top of this month, Alex Moffat, Melissa Villaseñor and Aristotle Athari left the show as well. In their absence, Marcello Hernandez, Molly Kearney, Michael Longfellow and Devon Walker have joined the show ahead of its 48th season.
“This will be transition year. Change years are always difficult but always exciting. There are new people. There are four new people at least for now,” Saturday Night Live Creator Lorne Michaels told reporters backstage at 74th Primetime Emmy Awards, per Deadline.
Saturday Night Live is set to return for its 48th season on October 1, 2022 at 11:30 p.m. EST on NBC.