After a summer of rumors and speculation, NBC has finally confirmed the cast for the upcoming 47th season of Saturday Night Live. Despite what many believed, the majority of the SNL cast will be returning. This includes many of the show’s most famous, break-out stars like Kate McKinnon, Aidy Bryant, Cecily Strong, and Pete Davidson. However, Beck Bennett, who joined the SNL cast back in 2013, will not be returning; neither will Lauren Holt who joined the long-running comedy show last season. Despite the loss of Bennett and Holt, the SNL season 47 cast is adding three new faces: Aristotle Athari, James Austin Johnson, and Sarah Sherman. The show has also added Chloe Fineman and Bowen Yang to the main cast.
Between exiting members and new members, the SNL season 47 cast consists of Kate McKinnon, Colin Jost, Michael Che, Aidy Bryant, Pete Davidson, Mikey Day, Chloe Fineman, Heidi Gardner, Alex Moffat, Kyle Mooney, Ego Nwodim, Chris Redd, Cecily Strong, Kenan Thompson, Bowen Yang, and Melissa Villasenor. Joining the main cast are supporting members Aristotle Athari, Andrew Dismukes, James Austion Johnson, Punkie Johnson, and Sarah Sherman.
Beck Bennett confirmed the news of his departure from the SNL cast via Instagram. He shared several pictures from his time on the show along with a short but sweet goodbye, saying, “Love you, SNL. Gonna miss you so much. Thank you for 8 years of remarkable people and incredible experiences that completely changed my life. I had so much fun.”
Although the news of Bennett and Holt’s departure is upsetting, the new additions to the SNL season 47 cast should provide new, interesting comedy and characters for viewers. Aristotle Athari previously played the role of Gabe in Silicon Valley. James Austin Johnson appeared in several comedy series such as All Rise, Future Man, and Tuca & Bertie, and Sarah Sherman worked on the surreal The Eric Andre Show.
Saturday Night Live will return to TV on October 2, featuring first-time host Owen Wilson and Kacey Musgraves as the musical guest.
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