Kenan Thompson Drops Cryptic Hint About ‘SNL’ Future

Kenan Thompson is raising eyebrows with a cryptic tease about what’s next for "Saturday Night Live" as the long-running sketch comedy show gears up for its 51st season.

The 47-year-old comedian, who holds the title of "SNL"’s longest-running cast member with 22 seasons under his belt, revealed he has not yet signed on for Season 23.

Kenan Thompson's comments come amid growing speculation about potential cast departures.

Speaking to Page Six at the Reel Works 24th Changemakers Gala on Wednesday, Thompson described the recent season finale as “bittersweet” and hinted that significant changes could be on the horizon.

“Especially this year, where it feels like there’s maybe, possibly, a lot of change next year,” he said. “You want everyone to stay forever, knowing that people may be making decisions this summer… it’s always like you want your kids to stay young.”

The finale even poked fun at the rumors, with cast member Sarah Sherman jokingly hinting at an exit and Colin Jost cracking wise on “Weekend Update” about possibly taking over Lorne Michaels’ job.

As for Michaels himself, the 80-year-old creator and executive producer of the show told The Hollywood Reporter in 2024 that he has no immediate plans to step down. “So as long as it’s important and I can be useful, I’ll stay,” he said.

Thompson, however, remains cautious.

Despite his seniority and deep roots at "SNL," he emphasized that nothing is ever certain.

“You just never know what the future holds,” he admitted. “I don’t want to be in the way of someone else, or the stale old man riding the same thing. That doesn’t really happen that much at 'SNL,' but there’s no guarantees, I guess.”

Thompson is not the only cast member to address the future of the show.

As "Saturday Night Live" wrapped its landmark 50th season, Bowen Yang took a moment to reflect, both onstage and off, sparking questions about his future with the show. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Yang opened up about the flood of emotions that hit him that night.

“I think you get to a point at 'SNL' where you understand that you’re on the downswing of things,” he said at the Season 50 finale. “I think I was just processing that being one of the last ‘last nights’ that I would have, and that is a huge thing.”

Yang went on to describe the annual season finale as a moment of emotional release.

“Every finale at goodnights, something leaves my body because I’m just relieved from all that happened in that season, and this was a big one,” he explained. “We went through a lot, so many fun memories. I think that was probably what was registering. I was just like, oh, I need to savor these moments before I don’t have them anymore.”

When asked directly whether he’ll return for Season 51, Yang sidestepped the question with a laugh, replying, “No, we’re not doing that.”

The show has won dozens of Emmy Awards over its 50 years and is widely regarded as one of the most influential comedy programs in television history.

It is known not only for its memorable characters and quotable sketches like “Wayne’s World” and “More Cowbell," but also for its sharp political satire, particularly during election years. Its impersonations of political figures, from Chevy Chase’s Gerald Ford to Alec Baldwin’s Donald Trump, have become cultural touchstones.

In 2024–2025, "SNL" celebrated its 50th season, marking a major milestone with nostalgic tributes and high-profile hosts including Walton Goggins, Jack Black, Lady Gaga, Chris Rock, Bill Burr, Michael Keaton, and more.

The Season 50 finale of "Saturday Night Live," which aired on May 17, 2025, was hosted by Scarlett Johansson, who made history as the show’s most frequent female host with her seventh appearance. Bad Bunny served as the musical guest for the milestone episode.