Fri Sep 12 15:10:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text followed by a news article rewrite:

**Summary:**

Saturday Night Live (SNL) is gearing up for its 51st season with a cast that is bigger than Season 50. While some cast members like Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker and Emil Wakim exited the show, several new faces, including Ben Marshall from Please Don’t Destroy, are joining. Despite rumors of a potential exodus, key players like Michael Che, Colin Jost, Kenan Thompson, Ego Nwodim, Chloe Fineman, Mikey Day, and Bowen Yang will be returning. Michael Che and Colin Jost will be back as the Weekend Update hosts. The new season kicks off on October 4.

**News Article:**

**SNL Prepares for Season 51 with Cast Shake-Up and Familiar Faces**

NEW YORK, NY – Saturday Night Live is set to launch its 51st season on October 4, following a successful showing at the Creative Arts Emmys where its 50th anniversary special took home 11 awards. This season will see a mix of fresh talent and returning veterans, solidifying the show’s iconic status.

While fans bid farewell to Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker and Emil Wakim, SNL is welcoming new additions to the cast. Ben Marshall from the comedy group Please Don’t Destroy is among the fresh faces joining the show.

Concerns about a significant cast departure after Season 50 have been allayed, as key players like Michael Che, Colin Jost, Kenan Thompson, Ego Nwodim, Chloe Fineman, Mikey Day, and Bowen Yang will all be returning. Comedy fans will also be happy to hear that Weekend Update will once again be hosted by the comedic duo of Che and Jost, ending weeks of speculation.

The full cast for Season 51 includes Michael Che, Mikey Day, Andrew Dismukes, Chloe Fineman, Marcello Hernandez, James Austin Johnson, Colin Jost, Ego Nwodim, Sarah Sherman, Kenan Thompson, and Bowen Yang. The returning featured players are Ashley Padilla and Jane Wickline, and the show’s new featured players include Ben Marshall, Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska.

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