Chloe Fineman Reflects on SNL’s Major Cast Changes Ahead of Season 51
Chloe Fineman, now entering her seventh year on Saturday Night Live, recently shared her candid thoughts about the significant cast changes coming to the iconic comedy show’s 51st season. Speaking at Michael Kors’ New York Fashion Week event on September 11, Fineman described the shake-up as “pretty wild” and “shocking,” revealing a mix of emotions that included “a little heartbreak and sadness.” Despite the natural evolution that comes with any long-running show, Fineman acknowledged she hasn’t fully processed the changes yet. “The show has such a turnover,” she noted, while emphasizing the lasting connections formed during her time on SNL: “These people stay in your lives.” Her comments reflect the bittersweet reality of the entertainment industry, where creative teams constantly evolve but often maintain meaningful relationships beyond their professional collaborations.
The upcoming season represents one of SNL’s most substantial cast transformations in recent years. While familiar faces like Kenan Thompson, Bowen Yang, Ego Nwodim, and Weekend Update hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che will return alongside Fineman, several beloved cast members are departing. Among those exiting are Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, Michael Longfellow, and Heidi Gardner. Walker was the first to announce his departure in August through a heartfelt Instagram post, where he compared jobs in the entertainment industry to “little marriages” – some lasting longer than others but most being “permanent until they’re not.” His reflective message captured the complex nature of his three-year journey with the show, which he described as “sometimes really cool” and “sometimes toxic as hell,” ultimately creating what he called a “f***ed up lil family.” Fineman’s comment on his post – “I’ll miss being your pregnant wife all the time!!!!!” – highlighted the playful camaraderie that often develops between cast members.
As SNL embraces this transition, the show is welcoming five newcomers to its ensemble, including Tommy Brennan, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska. Fineman expressed enthusiasm about working with the fresh talent, noting, “I’m excited for the new people. It’s so many people.” With characteristic humor, she added a self-deprecating joke about the age gap between herself and some of the younger cast members: “When I saw how young the cast was, I immediately got a laser [face mask]. I was like, ‘Do I get the Forever 35 facelift?’ I was Googling their ages and I felt like I was in Death Becomes Her.” This lighthearted comment not only showcases Fineman’s comedic instincts but also touches on the entertainment industry’s ongoing issues with aging and generational transitions, particularly for women in comedy.
The substantial roster changes reflect a natural evolution for Saturday Night Live, which has consistently reinvented itself throughout its nearly five-decade run. Since its 1975 debut, SNL has served as both a cultural touchstone and a launching pad for countless comedy careers. The show’s ability to refresh its lineup has been crucial to its longevity, allowing it to stay relevant to changing audiences while nurturing new comedic voices. For veteran performers like Fineman, who has built her reputation on spot-on celebrity impressions and versatile character work, these transitions present both challenges and opportunities. Having to establish chemistry with new cast members while maintaining the show’s high standards requires adaptability and openness – qualities that successful SNL performers typically possess in abundance.
Behind Fineman’s comments lies a deeper reality about the entertainment industry’s cyclical nature. Walker’s Instagram post eloquently captured this aspect of show business, comparing the professional relationships to temporary marriages that are “permanent until they’re not.” This sentiment resonates with many performers who understand that even the most coveted positions eventually come to an end. The departing cast members leave having contributed their unique comedic perspectives to SNL’s rich legacy, while the newcomers arrive with fresh energy and their own comedic sensibilities to share. For audiences, these transitions often bring mixed feelings as well – sadness at no longer seeing familiar faces in beloved recurring sketches, coupled with excitement about discovering new talent and watching different comedic chemistry develop on screen.
As SNL prepares for its season premiere on October 4, both loyal viewers and casual fans will be watching to see how this refreshed ensemble works together. The show faces the perpetual challenge of honoring its storied tradition while pushing forward with fresh ideas and perspectives. Fineman, now one of the more experienced cast members, will likely take on an expanded role in the coming season. Her ability to deliver precise impressions of figures ranging from Drew Barrymore to Britney Spears has made her a valuable player, and her growing confidence on the show positions her well for this next chapter. As she navigates the emotions of saying goodbye to colleagues while welcoming new ones, Fineman embodies the resilience required in comedy – the ability to acknowledge change and loss while still moving forward with humor and openness. In this way, both her comments and her career reflect the essence of Saturday Night Live itself: an institution that continually evolves while remaining fundamentally true to its comedic mission.
