People Keep Wondering If Colin Jost And Michael Che Will Leave SNL. One Big Reason ‘It’s Hard’ For Them ‘To Imagine’

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Having followed TV for years, I know that every summer brings speculation about who will be leaving Saturday Night Live. Cast changes are common, with both new and veteran members often moving on. Last season, when Season 50 aired on NBC, the show had a large cast and a very enthusiastic audience. So, it wasn’t surprising to hear rumors that several familiar faces – including Bowen Yang, Michael Che, and Colin Jost – might be leaving before Season 51.

If you’ve been watching the recent guest hosts on Season 51, you probably already know the rumors about cast changes were overblown. Kenan Thompson, Michael Che, and Colin Jost are all returning for the 2025 season, even with their other projects – like Jordan Peele promoting his role in the upcoming movie Wicked: For Good. It’s common for the show’s long-time comedians to discuss leaving, and both Che and Jost have hinted at potential departures in the past.

During a conversation with Howard Stern, Michael Che and Colin Jost openly discussed their desire to potentially leave “Saturday Night Live.” Che explained he primarily misses performing stand-up comedy. Jost, also on the show, offered a slightly different perspective, pointing out that Che actually enjoys their work on “Weekend Update” and finds it fulfilling.

You’re skilled at what you do, and it brings you satisfaction, even though you sometimes wish you were doing something else. Ultimately, it’s a fulfilling activity for you.

So, it’s clear they occasionally think of leaving, but will Season 51 be the last?

One Big Reason Considering Leaving SNL Is Hard For Che (And Jost)

For Che and Jost, their time on Saturday Night Live has been a significant part of their careers. After being on the show for so long, Che admitted it’s difficult to picture what they’ll do next.

I’m not sure if you feel this too, but the thought of not being around anymore is really difficult. It feels like my life is flashing by, like I’m constantly aware of the passage of time, almost like being on the fast-paced set of Saturday Night Live.

Michael Che became a cast member on Saturday Night Live in 2014, coming from The Daily Show with the goal of co-hosting “Weekend Update.” Colin Jost has been with the show much longer, starting as a writer in 2005. He gained more recognition when he began co-anchoring the segment with Che. The pair have been delivering the news on SNL for over ten years, which is remarkable, and it seems to have made them hesitant to pursue other opportunities.

The intense pressure surrounding the show likely didn’t make things easier. Both actors discussed with Howard Stern how they attempted to appreciate their time on set that year, even though it was frequently stressful. This led many to believe they were approaching the end of the series.

When the cast for the new season was revealed, while some familiar faces like Heidi Gardner and Ego Nwodim were leaving, Colin Jost and Michael Che remained as the Weekend Update anchors. Other long-time cast members, such as Bowen Yang, have indicated they plan to continue with the show. Because of this, the transition between seasons wasn’t as dramatic as many anticipated, despite the departure of several cast members.

What about Season 52? We’ll have to see what happens. Saturday Night Live is taking a short break, but returns December 6th. I suggest watching out for new cast members, not just the familiar faces like Che and Jost.

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2025-11-30 16:08