Former SNL Cast Member Punkie Johnson Surprised by Many Exits
After SNL's 50th season, Lorne Michaels is making big changes to the cast. A former cast member is shocked by how many people are leaving.
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Lorne Michaels produces Saturday Night Live for many years. After the 50th season, he is making big changes to the show.
Several cast members and writers decided to leave: Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, Michael Longfellow, Heidi Gardner, and writers Rosebud Baker and Celeste Yim. Punkie Johnson was on SNL from 2020 to 2024. She wrote emotional messages on Instagram to support her former colleagues.
She told Devon that life outside the show is fun. She was shocked about Emil leaving and joked about protesting at NBC. She called Michael her 'work husband' and said she loves him.
The departures happened after the SNL50 special in May. Michaels wants to 'shake things up' before season 51. These changes show a big transition for the comedy show.
Original Article
deadline.comhttps://deadline.com/2025/08/snl-punkie-johnson-reacts-cast-exits-1236500905/