Lorne Michaels Teases 'SNL' Season 47 Details at Emmy Awards Back Stage Interview amid Rumored Cast Exits

Iconic New York-based sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live” has recently been plagued with rumors of major cast exits. Producer Lorne Michaels addressed the speculations after his Emmy win.

“Saturday Night Live” has been on the air for 46 seasons, which is a fantastic feat for the sketch comedy show. Some of the most important people contributing to the show’s success include the “SNL” cast.

The show brings in new faces to showcase their talents, replacing one or two veteran cast members every few years. However, this upcoming season seems to be at risk of saying goodbye to several admired comedians.

A few star cast members of “Saturday Night Live” caused

that they were leaving the show at the close of the 46th season. The rumor mill started turning at the beginning of the season finale when four cast members gave the cold open.

Cecily Strong, Kate McKinnon, Aidy Bryant, and Kenan Thompson gave the show an emotional start by appearing together for the opening monologue. The four comedians are the most seasoned members of the “SNL” cast.

While many suspected they appeared in the opening together to acknowledge their first live audience since the pandemic, they later read the action as a goodbye. This was a result of the emotions expressed by the cast onstage.

During the opening, Bryant addressed the show’s music producer’s passing due to the pandemic. A tearful McKinnon also stumbled over her lines that addresses how the “SNL” cast members were a family.

Another factor that ignited a cast exit buzz was Thompson’s crossed fingers moment when he noted they would be back for Thanksgiving. Pete Davidson’s heartfelt message closing out “The Weekend Update” also added fuel to the fire.

Since that episode, fans and publications have been waiting for updates regarding the rumored exits, especially because the show has been suffering from low ratings and criticism over its choice of hosts recently.

As of May, producers stated they would discuss no contracts until the summer. Thankfully, producer Lorne Michaels finally opened up about the rumors surrounding “SNL” during his Emmys backstage interview:

“I’m not going to tell you much because we haven’t announced who’s hosting, but I don’t think anybody will be heartbroken.”

Although Michaels was mysterious, he did hint that former cast member Jason Sudeikis would be back as a host. He also relieved fans by revealing that the new season’s cast and hosts would be announced in the upcoming week.

Hopefully, Michaels is correct, and the season 47 cast and hosts will not disappoint. The new season of “Saturday Night Live” is expected to premiere on October 2, so the show’s loyal viewers will have to wait until then.