- Primary Subject: Kenan Thompson (Longest-tenured Saturday Night Live cast member)
- Key Update: Kenan Thompson recently revealed he is mentally preparing for a potential departure from SNL after 23 seasons.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: February 2, 2026
- Quick Answer: Kenan Thompson hasn’t set an official exit date, but he recently admitted he’s "dreading" the emotional "drastic change" of eventually leaving his record-breaking SNL career.
Kenan Thompson recently addressed his potential departure from Saturday Night Live after 23 years of being a mainstay in the iconic series.
The long-time cast member has been part of the late-night variety series since 2003, making him the most tenured in the show's history. While fans have been enjoying his presence in the series throughout his 23-year run so far, there have also been questions about whether it is time for him to finally leave for good.
Is Kenan Thompson Planning to Leave Saturday Night Live Soon?
In a recent interview with People, Thompson admitted that he is already thinking about leaving Saturday Night Live soon.
While he has not made a final decision on whether he will depart the series, he also acknowledged that it will be an emotional farewell if he ever decides to leave.
"There’s just so many layers to it. It’s not just the on-screen that you see in that one, you know, camera shot. It’s so many people behind the scenes and years and years and years with each one of those people. So it’s gonna be a lot," Thompson said. "I might have to just rip the bandaid and run out the back door and not say nothing to nobody and just write letters."
Thompson also noted that he has seen many farewells from cast members throughout his tenure in the series.
"It’s tough for me because I have yet to have the moment. You know, if I was on the other side of it, I’d be a little more like, ‘Yeah, you know, it’s all good,’ like, ‘Shake it off’ kind of thing. But, like, I’m dreading the moment. I might collapse in the moment because it’s been so many years and so many relationships and just…" he said.
"That’s gonna be a drastic change at this point that I never thought, you know, SNL would be such a large component in my life. I never thought I’d even get the job in the first place."
What's Next on Saturday Night Live?
Saturday Night Live recently aired its 1,000th episode with Alexander Skarsgard serving as host and Cardi B as musical guest.
Stellan Skarsgard, who is currently Oscar-nominated, made a surprise appearance to support his father and showed up in two sketches. Former cast member Pete Davidson also appeared to impersonate Tom Hooman, while Jack McBrayer showed up in Weekend Update.
Near the end of the episode, they paid tribute to Catherine O'Hara by showing her bumper photo in silence. She hosted the series twice previously.
The series will return on February 28 after the 2026 Winter Olympics. Heated Rivalry star Connor Storrie will serve as host for the first time, with Mumford & Sons as musical guest.
Keep it locked on Epicstream, your go-to site for film, TV, and celebrity coverage!