The new season of Saturday Night Live will be missing a few notable names.
On Monday, it was announced that Taran Killam would not be returning for season 42, after six years on the show. In an interview with Uproxx, he claimed it was something of a surprise:
I had sort of had it in my head I would make this upcoming year my last year, but then heard they weren’t going to pick up my contract. I was never given a reason why, really.
He’s currently directing a movie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Killam tweeted out this cheeky statement on Tuesday morning.
A big thank you for all the Love from my fans. Lorne was kind enough to understand I needed more time to dedicate to my undefeated @RamsNFL
— Taran Killam (@TaranKillam) August 9, 2016
Then came news of Jay Pharoah’s departure. Pharoah was brought on as featured player in 2010, but in the last couple years his impressions solidified his place among the main cast. This March sketch about a secret meeting of black comedians was a highlight of the season, as was his Ben Carson impression.
Featured player Jon Rudnitsky is also out, though not as many people were upset about his departure.
Taran Killam out? Who will SNL replace him with in 87% of its sketches?
— jon aren (@_jonaren) August 9, 2016
https://twitter.com/ThatElJefe/status/763025291664986114
Letting Taran Killam go is a huge mistake, SNL. pic.twitter.com/UE0n3qVXmw
— Kristina Koppeser 🐾 (@KristinaLuca) August 9, 2016
Cast members Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones are no doubt returning after the summer success of Ghostbusters. Somehow, Kenan Thompson remains on the show. New cast members have not yet been announced.
H/T New York Times