First SNL star is brutally axed just days after a cast shake-up was teased as comedian slams show as ‘toxic’

The original cast member of Saturday Night Live has formally announced their departure, which aligns with Lorne Michaels’ earlier prediction that significant departures may be on the horizon.

As an over-the-moon fanboy, I’ve got to spill the beans about my heart-racing conversation with Matthew Belloni from Puck. In our chat, the legendary Leno himself confessed that the iconic late-night show is gearing up for a major transformation! We’re talking about some current stars bidding adieu before Season 51 rolls in on October 4th. Oh boy, the anticipation is killing me!

Asked if he was really planning to clear house, the producer didn’t hesitate: ‘Yes.’

Despite Michael not revealing which of the 17 contestants will be eliminated, a comedian has already publicly announced his departure.

Devon Walker shared on Instagram that he’s departing after spending three years with SNL, likening his tenure there to a challenging relationship.

The individual, aged 34, acknowledged that the position sometimes had a harmful or difficult environment, but didn’t specifically call out anyone involved.

Upon being reached out to by Daily Mail, Walker let out a little laugh before stating that he was unwilling to provide comments at the present moment.

It remains unclear if his departure was his choice or not. 

In his Instagram post, he expressed that working in this particular industry feels akin to multiple long-term commitments or partnerships, much like a series of marriages.

‘While some may endure for quite a while if we’re fortunate, many don’t last long. Initially stable, but subject to change. Such is their nature. You understand the essence once you commit.’

Reflecting on his three-year tenure at the late-night mainstay, he openly acknowledged that the peaks often coincided with some troughs.

‘Me and the show did three years together, and sometimes it was really cool,’ Walker continued. 

Occasionally, it could be incredibly challenging, akin to navigating through a stormy landscape. Yet, despite its problems and chaos, we managed to find some semblance of normality, creating an unusual bond. In essence, we formed an unconventional family unit.

The celebrity expressed his satisfaction at having performed alongside other comedians on stage, further mentioning he’s currently gearing up for a trip abroad.

With an unexpected disclosure, Walker wrapped things up by saying he was about to head to Japan. Upon returning, he plans to star in a high-end drama, preferably alongside Julianne Moore. Stay hydrated and make some cash today, everyone!

The person from Texas playfully labeled the departure post as ‘I split ways with the little one’, and casually revealed his decision in a straightforward computer message, ‘Hang on…was it a resignation or termination?’

One screenshot even showed him texting a friend, ‘I’m out’, punctuated with a celebration emoji. 

Walker made his SNL debut in 2022 as a featured player in Season 48. 

By 2024, he’d been bumped up to the main cast. 

In no time, he made a significant impact on the ‘Weekend Update’ segment alongside Colin Jost and Michael Che, delivering spot-on impersonations of Michael Strahan, Van Jones, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

As I eagerly anticipated the public debut, Michaels hinted at a major overhaul scheduled prior to SNL’s October 4 season opener, where I was eagerly following along.

When asked if there was any need for him to make significant changes this season, Michaels replied affirmatively, stating that such pressure is indeed present. He further mentioned that the announcement regarding this change will be made within the next week or so.

The most famous members of the current cast include Colin Jost, Bowen Yang and Kenan Thompson. 

As a die-hard SNL fan, I can’t contain my excitement as we gear up for the long-awaited return of Season 51! Mark your calendars, folks, because this epic comedy spectacle is set to premiere on Saturday, October 4th, at 11:30 PM ET, gracing our screens on NBC and Peacock.

After what felt like an eternity since May 17 (summer hiatus, who needs it?), the wait is finally over! Let’s reunite with our beloved cast members for another round of hilarious skits, captivating guest appearances, and unforgettable musical performances that are guaranteed to tickle your funny bones! Get ready to laugh ’til it hurts – SNL Season 51 here we come!

Additionally, Michael expressed his thoughts on CBS terminating Stephen Colbert and ending his Late Show series, stating that he was taken aback, or left in a state of shock, by this decision.

‘I’m on the side of the people who do shows, but there’s two audiences now,’ he said. 

‘There’s the audience that is (watching on) TikTok and YouTube, and there’s a linear audience. 

Both Seth Meyers, Stephen Colbert, and Conan O’Brien can be considered as the successors of the legendary host, David Letterman. In other words, they have taken over his mantle in hosting their respective shows.

They will perform a similar type of show while I continue with SNL, as if everyone is tuning in for the evening’s broadcast.

‘But Jimmy (Fallon) does a lot of stuff that you can watch all day.’ 

CBS and its parent company, Paramount, declared that The Colbert Show will conclude its remarkable journey in May 2026, marking nearly a decade since its debut. Regrettably, the show is losing approximately $40 million annually.

The broadcast executives stated that they view Stephen Colbert as indispensable, and they plan to end the Late Show franchise when his tenure comes to an end.

Stephen has made CBS his home, and we take great pride in this fact. His exceptional broadcast will undoubtedly be honored among the legendary figures who have shone brightly on late-night TV.”

“We’re extremely happy that Stephen chose CBS as his workplace, and it’s a source of pride for us. His broadcast will forever hold a place in the company of those great talents that dominated late-night television.

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to share some insights I’ve gathered. According to my understanding from a media authority, there’s a possibility that Saturday Night Live (SNL) might come to an end after its creator, Mr. Michaels, decides to retire.

In late July, Robert Thompson, the founder of the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture at Syracuse University, expressed a pessimistic outlook.

Thompson suggested that if Michael retires, there might be a possibility that NBC could terminate Saturday Night Live, along with The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night With Seth Meyers – shows that are part of the 80-year-old media mogul’s portfolio.

In the wake of CNBC’s disclosure, Thompson pointed out that, with SNL, Fallon, and Meyers collectively losing about $100 million per annum, Lorne Michaels can’t sustain this situation indefinitely.

If he chooses to retire or becomes unable to perform in the shows anymore, NBC might find themselves facing an intriguing predicament.

He noted that the network could potentially revolutionize its late-night programming all at once, rather than making adjustments to each individual show separately.

‘It would be the easiest time to say, we had a good run.’ 

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2025-08-26 18:19