Emil Wakim Announces Departure from “Saturday Night Live”

New York, August 27, 2025 - Saturday Night Live cast member Emil Wakim confirmed today that he will not return for the show’s upcoming 51st season, describing the news as a “gut punch.”

In an Instagram post published Wednesday morning, the 27-year-old comedian revealed that NBC did not extend his contract following his debut on Season 50. Wakim recounted that he was celebrating a friend’s 36th birthday at Six Flags when he received the call. “I went on a really emotional stroll through Bugs Bunny Park and stared across Daffy Duck Lake contemplating life,” he wrote.

Having joined Lorne Michaels’s legendary sketch series just one year ago, Wakim reflected on his time at Studio 8H with gratitude. “Every time I scanned into the building, I would marvel at how incredible it was to work there,” he said. “It was the most terrifying, thrilling, and rewarding experience of my life, and I will deeply miss it, along with all the brilliant people who made it feel like home.”

Wakim thanked Michaels and the SNL team for the opportunity to express himself on a national platform. “Here’s to creating more art without compromise,” he concluded. His departure follows that of fellow newcomer Devon Walker, who also announced his exit earlier this week.

Producers are expected to unveil the full cast lineup for Season 51 in the coming weeks.