, Guest Columnist
SNL Cast Exits Highlight Cracks in the Show’s Armor
Lorne Michaels should know that switching out cast members won't fix all that ails his creation.
Ego Nwodim at SNL’s 50th anniversary celebration.
Photographer: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images North AmericaFormer Saturday Night Live cast member Punkie Johnson spoke for many fans of the long-running late-night sketch comedy show in late August, with three simple words: “wtf is happening.” Her comment came in response to the announcement that cast member Michael Longfellow was leaving the show after three seasons.
At the time, Longfellow was one of four performers departing SNL ahead of its 51st season. But just when it seemed like that was the end of the story, Ego Nwodim was added to the list last week, making the total five.