“Saturday Night Live” is gearing up for a fresh chapter as the iconic NBC sketch comedy show prepares for Season 51. Following the recent announcement of four notable cast departures, the series has revealed five new names who will join as feature players, signaling a new wave of comedic energy at Studio 8H.
On Monday, NBC confirmed that Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska will officially step into the spotlight this fall.
For longtime viewers, Ben Marshall is already a familiar face. Since 2021, he has been part of the comedy trio Please Don’t Destroy alongside John Higgins and Martin Herlihy, contributing both on-screen sketches and behind-the-scenes writing. His promotion from writer-performer to featured cast member marks a significant step forward in his SNL journey.
The other four additions come with impressive résumés and, notably, strong digital footprints — particularly on TikTok, where they’ve built audiences through sharp comedic videos.
- Jeremy Culhane has credits spanning popular shows like The Sex Lives of College Girls and Heathers, in addition to his viral social media comedy work.
- Kam Patterson is widely recognized for his stand-up comedy and will also appear alongside Kevin Hart in the upcoming Netflix comedy 72 Hours.
- Veronika Slowikowska, who boasts nearly 700,000 TikTok followers, has previously appeared on FX’s hit supernatural mockumentary What We Do in the Shadows, adding acting depth to her comedic persona.
- Tommy Brennan rounds out the group, having showcased his comedic chops on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and within the stand-up circuit.
These fresh additions arrive at a transitional moment for SNL. Just last week, the show confirmed the exits of Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, and Emil Wakim, who will not be returning for the upcoming season. The turnover highlights a generational shift that fans have grown accustomed to over the decades, as new talent continually reinvents the dynamics of the ensemble.
Season 51 of Saturday Night Live premieres October 4, 2025, and all eyes will be on how this blend of TikTok-savvy performers, stand-up comics, and seasoned sketch writers will shape the next era of one of television’s longest-running comedy institutions.
