Cast Roster — All 50 Seasons — 1975–2025

Saturday Night Live

Complete season-by-season cast rosters from the original Not Ready for Prime Time Players through Season 50. Regular cast members and featured players listed for every season, with notes on major transitions, producer eras, and key departures.

50Seasons
977Episodes (approx.)
150+Cast Members
3Producers
1975Premiere Year

Producer Era 1

Lorne Michaels — Original Run

Seasons 1–5 · 1975–1980 · NBC · Michaels assembled the original "Not Ready for Prime Time Players" from the sketch and improv world, many via National Lampoon Radio Hour and Second City. The show launched on October 11, 1975, hosted by George Carlin. Michaels departed after Season 5.

01
Season 1 · 1975–76
Not Ready for Prime Time Players
24 episodes Premiered Oct 11, 1975 Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Dan Aykroyd John Belushi Chevy Chase Jane Curtin Garrett Morris Laraine Newman Gilda Radner
Featured / Supporting
Michael O'Donoghue George Coe Billy Crystal
Premiere: Oct 11, 1975, hosted by George Carlin. The "Not Ready for Prime Time Players" were billed as the supporting cast; Andy Kaufman, Albert Brooks, and Jim Henson's Muppets also appeared in early weeks as recurring contributors. George Coe appeared in the pilot and a handful of early episodes only. Billy Crystal was cut from the premiere episode; his filmed segment was dropped. He did not appear on air in Season 1. Chevy Chase quickly emerged as the breakout star via "Weekend Update" and Gerald Ford impressions. Michael O'Donoghue appeared on screen briefly (the famous "needles through the eyes" cold open) and was primarily a writer.
02
Season 2 · 1976–77
Post-Chase, Enter Bill Murray
22 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Dan Aykroyd John Belushi Jane Curtin Garrett Morris Laraine Newman Gilda Radner
Featured Player
Bill Murray
Departed After Season 1
Chevy Chase
Chevy Chase departed mid-Season 1 (after episode 13) to pursue a film career; he hosted later in Season 2, making it one of the earliest and most notable early departures. Bill Murray joined as a featured player and was elevated to the main cast during the season. He had been Chase's replacement and was initially met with audience resistance. Murray found his footing and became central to the ensemble.
03
Season 3 · 1977–78
Peak Original Era
20 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Dan Aykroyd John Belushi Jane Curtin Garrett Morris Bill Murray Laraine Newman Gilda Radner
Stable season with the fully consolidated seven-person cast. Belushi and Aykroyd developed the Blues Brothers characters this season (debuting April 22, 1978). Murray fully integrated. Steve Martin hosted for the first time and became one of the most popular recurring hosts. Widely regarded as one of the strongest seasons of the original run.
04
Season 4 · 1978–79
Expansion & New Faces
20 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Dan Aykroyd John Belushi Jane Curtin Garrett Morris Bill Murray Laraine Newman Gilda Radner
Featured Players
Don Novello Al Franken Tom Davis Brian Doyle-Murray Paul Shaffer Peter Aykroyd
Don Novello introduced Father Guido Sarducci this season. Al Franken and Tom Davis were primarily writers who also appeared on screen. Paul Shaffer served as the show's music coordinator and occasional on-screen presence. The cast was supplemented with a larger featured ensemble as the show grew. The "Blues Brothers" performed live for the first time on the show.
05
Season 5 · 1979–80
Final Season of the Original Cast
20 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Dan Aykroyd John Belushi Jane Curtin Garrett Morris Bill Murray Laraine Newman Gilda Radner
Featured
Don Novello Harry Shearer Denny Dillon
Departed After Season 5
Dan Aykroyd John Belushi Gilda Radner Bill Murray Laraine Newman Garrett Morris Jane Curtin Lorne Michaels
End of an era: Lorne Michaels and the entire original cast departed after Season 5. Aykroyd and Belushi left to film The Blues Brothers (1980). Gilda Radner left for Broadway. Murray and others moved to film careers. NBC retained the show and hired a new producer. This was the most seismic turnover in the show's history.

Producer Era 2

Jean Doumanian

Season 6 · 1980–81 · NBC · Doumanian was an SNL talent coordinator under Michaels. Her single season as producer is widely regarded as the show's lowest point. She was fired mid-season and replaced by associate producer Bob Tischler, with Dick Ebersol stepping in to save the show.

06
Season 6 · 1980–81
The Doumanian Disaster
13 episodes Producer: Jean Doumanian (fired); Dick Ebersol (interim)
Regular Cast
Charles Rocket Gail Matthius Ann Risley Joe Piscopo Denny Dillon Gilbert Gottfried Eddie Murphy
Featured
Matthew Laurance Patrick Weathers
Departed / Fired After Season
Charles Rocket Gail Matthius Ann Risley Denny Dillon Gilbert Gottfried Matthew Laurance Patrick Weathers
The worst season in SNL history by critical consensus. Doumanian was fired after episode 11 following a disastrous season of poor ratings and the infamous incident in which Charles Rocket said the f-word live on air (Feb 21, 1981) — he and most of the cast were subsequently let go. Eddie Murphy was the only breakout talent, initially listed only as a featured player and often barely used, but his energy and brilliance were unmistakable. Gilbert Gottfried rarely appeared on screen despite being cast. Dick Ebersol took over for the final episodes of the season and then became full producer for Season 7.

Producer Era 3

Dick Ebersol

Seasons 7–10 · 1981–1985 · NBC · Ebersol, an original NBC executive who had helped develop the show with Michaels in 1975, took over a near-dead property and rebuilt it. He retained Eddie Murphy and Joe Piscopo, brought in strong host-driven formats, and gradually rebuilt audience trust. He departed in 1985 after a difficult Season 10.

07
Season 7 · 1981–82
Ebersol Rebuilds; Murphy Rises
20 episodes Producer: Dick Ebersol
Regular Cast
Eddie Murphy Joe Piscopo Robin Duke Tony Rosato Tim Kazurinsky Mary Gross Christine Ebersole Brian Doyle-Murray
Eddie Murphy became the undisputed star and a cultural phenomenon. Ebersol leaned into Murphy's dominance — he essentially carried the show single-handedly during this period. Christine Ebersole (no relation to Dick Ebersol) and Brian Doyle-Murray also joined. The show's ratings stabilized. Murphy's characters — Buckwheat, Gumby, Mister Robinson's Neighborhood, Velvet Jones — became nationally known.
08
Season 8 · 1982–83
Murphy & Piscopo Era Peaks
18 episodes Producer: Dick Ebersol
Regular Cast
Eddie Murphy Joe Piscopo Robin Duke Tim Kazurinsky Mary Gross Brad Hall Julia Louis-Dreyfus Gary Kroeger
Departed
Christine Ebersole Brian Doyle-Murray Tony Rosato
Julia Louis-Dreyfus joined as a featured player — she was chronically underused despite obvious talent. Brad Hall anchored Weekend Update. The Murphy–Piscopo duo drove most of the show's highlights. Piscopo's Frank Sinatra impression was a recurring fan favorite.
09
Season 9 · 1983–84
Last Full Season with Murphy
18 episodes Producer: Dick Ebersol
Regular Cast
Eddie Murphy Joe Piscopo Tim Kazurinsky Mary Gross Brad Hall Julia Louis-Dreyfus Gary Kroeger Robin Duke
Eddie Murphy departed mid-season to focus on his film career (Beverly Hills Cop filmed during this period). His final episode as a cast member aired in 1984. Without Murphy the show struggled for identity. Julia Louis-Dreyfus remained consistently underutilized despite this being her third season.
10
Season 10 · 1984–85
Post-Murphy Struggles; Ebersol Departs
17 episodes Producer: Dick Ebersol
Regular Cast
Mary Gross Julia Louis-Dreyfus Gary Kroeger Christopher Guest Harry Shearer Billy Crystal Martin Short Piscopo (partial) Rich Hall Pamela Stephenson Jim Belushi Damon Wayans Danitra Vance
Departed
Eddie Murphy Joe Piscopo Brad Hall Julia Louis-Dreyfus Dick Ebersol
An ensemble experiment: Ebersol brought in a large, high-profile cast in an attempt to recapture magic — Billy Crystal, Martin Short, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer were all acclaimed performers but the season felt disjointed. Damon Wayans was fired mid-season for going off-script. Dick Ebersol stepped down after the season. Lorne Michaels agreed to return for Season 11. Julia Louis-Dreyfus departed; she had been widely overlooked during her four seasons.

Producer Era 4

Lorne Michaels — Second Run, Early Years

Seasons 11–20 · 1985–1995 · NBC · Michaels returned and rebuilt the show from scratch. After a rocky start in Seasons 11–12, he found his footing with the Dana Carvey / Phil Hartman / Jan Hooks cast, then transitioned to a new generation led by Mike Myers, Adam Sandler, and Chris Farley in the early 1990s.

11
Season 11 · 1985–86
Michaels Returns; Rocky Restart
18 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Randy Quaid Robert Downey Jr. Joan Cusack Nora Dunn Terry Sweeney Anthony Michael Hall Danitra Vance Damon Wayans Jon Lovitz Dennis Miller A. Whitney Brown
Departed After Season
Randy Quaid Robert Downey Jr. Joan Cusack Terry Sweeney Anthony Michael Hall Danitra Vance Damon Wayans
Troubled season. Michaels assembled an eclectic cast that didn't cohere. Robert Downey Jr. and Joan Cusack were young film actors who didn't fit the sketch format. Anthony Michael Hall was only 17. Jon Lovitz and Dennis Miller were the standouts and stayed. Terry Sweeney was the first openly gay cast member. Most of the season-11 cast did not return for Season 12.
12
Season 12 · 1986–87
Rebuilding with New Blood
18 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Jon Lovitz Dennis Miller Nora Dunn Dana Carvey Phil Hartman Jan Hooks Victoria Jackson Kevin Nealon A. Whitney Brown
The cast that saved the show. Dana Carvey, Phil Hartman, Jan Hooks, and Victoria Jackson all joined in Season 12 and became the backbone of the show's late-80s resurgence. Carvey's Church Lady debuted this season. Hartman showed extraordinary range immediately. This cast gave the show its most creative sustained period since the original run.
13
Season 13 · 1987–88
Hartman & Carvey Ascendant
13 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Dana Carvey Phil Hartman Jan Hooks Victoria Jackson Kevin Nealon Jon Lovitz Dennis Miller Nora Dunn A. Whitney Brown
Featured
Al Franken
Shorter season (writers strike shortened the season). Carvey's presidential impressions (George H.W. Bush) and Hartman's range were the highlights. Weekend Update with Dennis Miller was critically praised. The show was now fully rehabilitated culturally.
14
Season 14 · 1988–89
Wayne's World Begins
20 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Dana Carvey Phil Hartman Jan Hooks Victoria Jackson Kevin Nealon Jon Lovitz Dennis Miller Nora Dunn Mike Myers Conan O'Brien (writer) Rob Schneider Ben Stiller Siobhan Fallon
Mike Myers joined as a featured player and introduced Wayne Campbell (Wayne's World) this season, which became a defining sketch. Ben Stiller and Siobhan Fallon were featured briefly and did not stay. Conan O'Brien was a writer, not a cast member. Dennis Miller departed after this season.
15
Season 15 · 1989–90
New Generation Arrives
20 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Dana Carvey Phil Hartman Jan Hooks Victoria Jackson Kevin Nealon Mike Myers Jon Lovitz Nora Dunn A. Whitney Brown Darrell Hammond
Featured Players
Chris Rock Chris Farley Adam Sandler Rob Schneider Ellen Cleghorne Tim Meadows Julia Sweeney David Spade
Departed
Dennis Miller Jon Lovitz
Massive influx of future stars as featured players: Chris Farley, Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, David Spade, and Tim Meadows all joined this season. This cohort would define early-90s SNL. Darrell Hammond also joined (he would become the longest-tenured cast member in history). Jon Lovitz departed for film work.
16
Season 16 · 1990–91
The New Generation Takes Over
20 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Dana Carvey Phil Hartman Jan Hooks Victoria Jackson Kevin Nealon Mike Myers Nora Dunn A. Whitney Brown
Featured Players
Chris Farley Adam Sandler Chris Rock David Spade Tim Meadows Rob Schneider Ellen Cleghorne Julia Sweeney Darrell Hammond
Departed
Jan Hooks Nora Dunn
Jan Hooks and Nora Dunn departed after this season. The featured-player class from S15 — Farley, Sandler, Rock, Spade — continued to develop. Wayne's World became a cultural phenomenon; the film adaptation was greenlit. Carvey's Bush impression anchored political coverage through the 1990 Gulf War period.
17
Season 17 · 1991–92
Farley & Sandler Promoted
20 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Dana Carvey Phil Hartman Victoria Jackson Kevin Nealon Mike Myers Chris Farley Adam Sandler David Spade Chris Rock Tim Meadows Rob Schneider Ellen Cleghorne Julia Sweeney
Featured
Siobhan Fallon Beth Cahill
Chris Farley and Adam Sandler elevated to regular cast. Matt Foley (Farley's motivational speaker character) debuted this era. The show was now dominated by the young male ensemble — Farley, Sandler, Rock, Spade, Myers. Chris Rock later noted he felt underused and that racial dynamics played a role. Siobhan Fallon returned briefly but did not last.
18
Season 18 · 1992–93
Carvey's Final Season; Clinton Era Begins
20 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Dana Carvey Phil Hartman Kevin Nealon Mike Myers Chris Farley Adam Sandler David Spade Chris Rock Tim Meadows Rob Schneider Ellen Cleghorne Julia Sweeney
Featured
Melanie Hutsell David Koechner
Departed
Dana Carvey Chris Rock Victoria Jackson
Dana Carvey departed after this season; he had been the show's anchor for years and his Bush impression became obsolete with Clinton's election. Chris Rock left, feeling chronically underused, and went on to greater success elsewhere. Bill Clinton became a major new impressionist target — Phil Hartman's Clinton was the early standard.
19
Season 19 · 1993–94
Mike Myers Departs; New Faces
20 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Phil Hartman Kevin Nealon Mike Myers Chris Farley Adam Sandler David Spade Tim Meadows Rob Schneider Ellen Cleghorne Julia Sweeney Melanie Hutsell
Featured Players
Jay Mohr Michael McKean Sarah Silverman Norm Macdonald Janeane Garofalo
Departed
Mike Myers Phil Hartman Kevin Nealon
Mike Myers departed (he had a contractual dispute related to the It's Pat film and the rejected "Simon" screenplay). Phil Hartman and Kevin Nealon also left. Norm Macdonald joined and became Weekend Update anchor. Sarah Silverman joined as a featured player and was rarely used on air — she was fired after one season. Janeane Garofalo also left after one season feeling underused. Michael McKean appeared briefly. Chris Farley, Sandler, and Spade were now the dominant forces.
20
Season 20 · 1994–95
Farley & Sandler Peak; End of an Era
20 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Chris Farley Adam Sandler David Spade Tim Meadows Rob Schneider Ellen Cleghorne Norm Macdonald Mark McKinney Molly Shannon Michael Mckean
Featured
Laura Kightlinger Morwenna Banks Mark McKinney Jim Breuer
Departed After Season
Chris Farley Adam Sandler David Spade Rob Schneider Julia Sweeney Ellen Cleghorne Jay Mohr
End of the Farley-Sandler era. NBC executives pressured Michaels to fire Sandler and Farley, which he did after the season — a decision Michaels has expressed regret over. Farley died of a drug overdose in December 1997. Sandler went on to enormous film success. David Spade also departed. The show faced another major rebuild heading into Season 21. Molly Shannon joined and would become a breakout player. Norm Macdonald remained as Weekend Update anchor.

Producer Era 5

Lorne Michaels — The Will Ferrell & Tina Fey Years

Seasons 21–30 · 1995–2005 · NBC · After rebuilding in Seasons 21–22, the show hit another creative peak with Will Ferrell, Ana Gasteyer, Cheri Oteri, Molly Shannon, and Darrell Hammond. Tina Fey became the first female head writer and Weekend Update co-anchor. The decade ended with Amy Poehler and Seth Meyers joining.

21
Season 21 · 1995–96
Post-Farley Rebuild; Ferrell Arrives
20 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Tim Meadows Norm Macdonald Mark McKinney Molly Shannon Jim Breuer Will Ferrell Darrell Hammond David Koechner Nancy Walls
Featured Players
Ana Gasteyer Cheri Oteri Colin Quinn
Will Ferrell, Ana Gasteyer, and Cheri Oteri all joined — three future anchors of the show's late-90s resurgence. Ferrell's physicality and commitment were immediately apparent. Cheri Oteri's Spartan cheerleader (with Ferrell) became a signature sketch. Darrell Hammond elevated to regular — his Clinton impression became the defining one of the era. Norm Macdonald continued on Weekend Update until NBC executives had him removed in Season 23.
22
Season 22 · 1996–97
Ferrell, Gasteyer, Oteri Ascendant
20 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Will Ferrell Darrell Hammond Tim Meadows Norm Macdonald Mark McKinney Molly Shannon Jim Breuer Ana Gasteyer Cheri Oteri Colin Quinn
Featured
Tracy Morgan Chris Kattan
Tracy Morgan and Chris Kattan joined as featured players. Kattan's Mango and Mahir characters became popular. Mary Katherine Gallagher (Molly Shannon) was a breakout recurring character. The ensemble was now strong enough that the show didn't rely on any single star — Ferrell was the clear leader but the cast was genuinely deep.
23
Season 23 · 1997–98
Norm Fired; Tina Fey Joins Writing Staff
20 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Will Ferrell Darrell Hammond Tim Meadows Molly Shannon Ana Gasteyer Cheri Oteri Tracy Morgan Chris Kattan Colin Quinn Jim Breuer
Featured
Jimmy Fallon
Departed
Norm Macdonald Mark McKinney
Norm Macdonald was removed from Weekend Update at the insistence of NBC West Coast president Don Ohlmeyer (reportedly due to personal animosity). Colin Quinn replaced him. Jimmy Fallon joined as a featured player and was immediately notable for his impressions and energy. Tina Fey joined the writing staff this season (not yet on-screen). Mark McKinney departed.
24
Season 24 · 1998–99
Fallon Promoted; Strong Ensemble
20 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Will Ferrell Darrell Hammond Tim Meadows Molly Shannon Ana Gasteyer Cheri Oteri Tracy Morgan Chris Kattan Jimmy Fallon Colin Quinn
Featured
Horatio Sanz Chris Parnell
Horatio Sanz and Chris Parnell joined as featured players. Jimmy Fallon elevated to full cast member. The show was in a strong creative period — the ensemble was arguably its deepest since the original run. Tina Fey continued as writer and was promoted to head writer the following season, making her the first woman to hold that title.
25
Season 25 · 1999–2000
25th Anniversary; Tina Fey Head Writer
20 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Will Ferrell Darrell Hammond Tim Meadows Molly Shannon Ana Gasteyer Cheri Oteri Tracy Morgan Chris Kattan Jimmy Fallon Horatio Sanz Chris Parnell
Featured
Maya Rudolph Rachel Dratch
Departed
Colin Quinn
Tina Fey became head writer — the first woman in that role in the show's history. Maya Rudolph and Rachel Dratch joined as featured players. 25th Anniversary special aired. George W. Bush and Al Gore became primary impressionist targets heading into the election. Ferrell's Bush impression debuted and quickly became the defining political impression of the era.
26
Season 26 · 2000–01
Tina Fey On-Screen; Election Coverage
20 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Will Ferrell Darrell Hammond Tim Meadows Ana Gasteyer Tracy Morgan Chris Kattan Jimmy Fallon Horatio Sanz Chris Parnell Maya Rudolph Rachel Dratch Tina Fey
Departed
Molly Shannon Cheri Oteri
Tina Fey moved on-screen as Weekend Update co-anchor alongside Jimmy Fallon — one of the most popular anchor pairings in the show's history. Molly Shannon and Cheri Oteri departed. The 2000 presidential election and subsequent Florida recount provided enormous political material; Ferrell's Bush was in near-constant use.
27
Season 27 · 2001–02
9/11 Season; Amy Poehler Joins
20 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Will Ferrell Darrell Hammond Tina Fey Jimmy Fallon Ana Gasteyer Tracy Morgan Chris Kattan Horatio Sanz Chris Parnell Maya Rudolph Rachel Dratch
Featured Players
Amy Poehler Seth Meyers Dean Edwards Jeff Richards
Amy Poehler and Seth Meyers joined as featured players. The season premiere (Sept 29, 2001) was the first episode after 9/11 — the cold open featured Mayor Giuliani with first responders, and Paul Simon performed "The Boxer." Lorne Michaels asked Giuliani: "Can we be funny?" — "Why start now?" he replied. A defining moment in the show's history.
28
Season 28 · 2002–03
Ferrell's Final Season
20 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Will Ferrell Darrell Hammond Tina Fey Jimmy Fallon Ana Gasteyer Tracy Morgan Chris Kattan Horatio Sanz Chris Parnell Maya Rudolph Rachel Dratch Amy Poehler Seth Meyers
Featured
Fred Armisen Will Forte
Departed
Will Ferrell Ana Gasteyer Chris Kattan
Will Ferrell departed after Season 28 to pursue his film career — Elf (2003) confirmed his movie-star status. Ana Gasteyer and Chris Kattan also left. Fred Armisen and Will Forte joined as featured players. The show faced another significant rebuild heading into Season 29.
29
Season 29 · 2003–04
Post-Ferrell; Rebuilding Again
20 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Darrell Hammond Tina Fey Jimmy Fallon Tracy Morgan Horatio Sanz Chris Parnell Maya Rudolph Rachel Dratch Amy Poehler Seth Meyers Fred Armisen Will Forte
Featured
Finesse Mitchell Keane Reyes Rob Riggle
Without Ferrell the show struggled to find a new center. Amy Poehler and Tina Fey on Weekend Update were a reliable highlight. The cast was large but lacked a clear breakout star. Rachel Dratch was highly regarded internally but the show often underused her. Jimmy Fallon was increasingly noted for breaking character (laughing) on-screen.
30
Season 30 · 2004–05
Fey & Fallon Depart; Wiig Arrives
20 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Darrell Hammond Tina Fey Jimmy Fallon Tracy Morgan Horatio Sanz Chris Parnell Maya Rudolph Rachel Dratch Amy Poehler Seth Meyers Fred Armisen Will Forte Finesse Mitchell
Featured Players
Kristen Wiig Andy Samberg Bill Hader Jason Sudeikis Keane Reyes
Departed
Tina Fey Jimmy Fallon Rachel Dratch Horatio Sanz
The most important featured-player class since Season 15. Kristen Wiig, Andy Samberg, Bill Hader, and Jason Sudeikis all joined — they would define the show's next decade. Tina Fey and Jimmy Fallon departed; Fey went on to create 30 Rock. Seth Meyers took sole anchor of Weekend Update. Amy Poehler remained as a major cast anchor.

Producer Era 6

Lorne Michaels — The Digital Shorts & Stefon Era

Seasons 31–40 · 2005–2015 · NBC · The Lonely Island digital shorts revolutionized the show's relationship with internet culture. Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Fred Armisen, and Seth Meyers anchored a decade of strong work. The Obama years brought new impressionist opportunities. The decade ended with a new generation led by Kate McKinnon and Cecily Strong.

31
Season 31 · 2005–06
Digital Shorts Era Begins
20 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Darrell Hammond Tracy Morgan Chris Parnell Maya Rudolph Amy Poehler Seth Meyers Fred Armisen Will Forte Finesse Mitchell Kristen Wiig Andy Samberg Bill Hader Jason Sudeikis
Featured
Bobby Moynihan Kenan Thompson
Andy Samberg's Lonely Island unit began producing digital short films for the show — "Lazy Sunday" (Dec 17, 2005) became a viral phenomenon, one of the first viral videos in the YouTube era, with over 5 million downloads in its first week. It fundamentally changed how the show thought about internet distribution. Kenan Thompson joined (he would ultimately become the longest-tenured cast member in the show's history). Tracy Morgan departed mid-season to focus on 30 Rock.
32
Season 32 · 2006–07
Wiig & Hader Emerge as Stars
18 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Darrell Hammond Amy Poehler Seth Meyers Fred Armisen Will Forte Kristen Wiig Andy Samberg Bill Hader Jason Sudeikis Kenan Thompson Maya Rudolph Bobby Moynihan
Departed
Chris Parnell Finesse Mitchell
Kristen Wiig rapidly became the show's standout — her character work (Gilly, Penelope, various talk-show guests) was unlike anything on the show in years. Bill Hader's Stefon (Stefan Dierter) character had not yet debuted but his range was evident. Samberg's digital shorts continued to dominate culturally. "D*** in a Box" (with Justin Timberlake) became another viral hit.
33
Season 33 · 2007–08
Writers Strike Shortened Season
12 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Darrell Hammond Amy Poehler Seth Meyers Fred Armisen Will Forte Kristen Wiig Andy Samberg Bill Hader Jason Sudeikis Kenan Thompson Maya Rudolph Bobby Moynihan
The 2007–08 WGA writers strike severely shortened the season to 12 episodes. The show returned after the strike ended. The presidential primary race between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama — and the SNL depiction of media bias toward Obama — created significant cultural conversation. Tina Fey returned as a guest to play Hillary Clinton.
34
Season 34 · 2008–09
Palin / Fey Cultural Moment; Obama Wins
22 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Darrell Hammond Amy Poehler Seth Meyers Fred Armisen Will Forte Kristen Wiig Andy Samberg Bill Hader Jason Sudeikis Kenan Thompson Maya Rudolph Bobby Moynihan
Featured
Abby Elliott Casey Wilson
Departed
Amy Poehler Maya Rudolph
The defining season of the 2000s. Tina Fey's Sarah Palin impression — "I can see Russia from my house!" — became the most culturally impactful SNL moment in a generation. Fey returned repeatedly throughout the season as a guest. Amy Poehler departed mid-season (after the election episode) to star in Parks and Recreation. Fred Armisen took over as Barack Obama. Abby Elliott and Casey Wilson joined as featured players.
35
Season 35 · 2009–10
New Faces; Hader's Stefon Debuts
22 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Darrell Hammond Seth Meyers Fred Armisen Will Forte Kristen Wiig Andy Samberg Bill Hader Jason Sudeikis Kenan Thompson Bobby Moynihan Abby Elliott
Featured
Jenny Slate Nasim Pedrad Michaela Watkins Jay Pharoah
Departed
Casey Wilson Darrell Hammond
Bill Hader's Stefon (the city correspondent who recommends increasingly bizarre New York nightclubs) debuted and became one of the most beloved recurring characters of the era. Jenny Slate famously said the f-word on her first episode and was not renewed. Darrell Hammond was finally replaced as the show's announcer/utility player after 14 seasons — he later returned as announcer. Jay Pharoah joined and became the show's primary Obama impressionist (replacing Armisen). Nasim Pedrad also joined.
36
Season 36 · 2010–11
Wiig Peak; New Featured Players
22 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Seth Meyers Fred Armisen Will Forte Kristen Wiig Andy Samberg Bill Hader Jason Sudeikis Kenan Thompson Bobby Moynihan Abby Elliott Nasim Pedrad Jay Pharoah
Featured
Paul Brittain Taran Killam Vanessa Bayer
Taran Killam and Vanessa Bayer joined as featured players and would both become significant cast members. Kristen Wiig was at the height of her powers — her film career was taking off (Bridesmaids filmed this year). Will Forte departed after this season. The cast was large (12+ members) but Wiig's dominance was undeniable.
37
Season 37 · 2011–12
Kate McKinnon Arrives; Wiig Farewell Season
22 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Seth Meyers Fred Armisen Kristen Wiig Andy Samberg Bill Hader Jason Sudeikis Kenan Thompson Bobby Moynihan Abby Elliott Nasim Pedrad Jay Pharoah Taran Killam Vanessa Bayer
Featured
Kate McKinnon Cecily Strong Tim Robinson
Departed
Kristen Wiig Andy Samberg Abby Elliott Paul Brittain
Kate McKinnon and Cecily Strong joined as featured players — both would become defining cast members of the next decade. Kristen Wiig received a celebrated sendoff at the season finale (May 19, 2012), performed to "She's a Rainbow" by the Rolling Stones, with Mick Jagger as host. Andy Samberg also departed after Season 37. Seth Meyers departed the following season to host Late Night.
38
Season 38 · 2012–13
New Era; McKinnon & Strong Emerge
21 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Seth Meyers Fred Armisen Bill Hader Jason Sudeikis Kenan Thompson Bobby Moynihan Nasim Pedrad Jay Pharoah Taran Killam Vanessa Bayer Kate McKinnon Cecily Strong
Featured
Aidy Bryant Mike O'Brien Tim Robinson
Aidy Bryant joined as a featured player and was immediately beloved. Kate McKinnon and Cecily Strong elevated to regular cast and quickly became the show's new anchors. The show was in another transition but this new generation — McKinnon, Strong, Bryant — gave it strong creative footing. Seth Meyers was in his final season before moving to Late Night.
39
Season 39 · 2013–14
Hader & Sudeikis Depart; Bryant Rises
21 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Fred Armisen Bill Hader Jason Sudeikis Kenan Thompson Bobby Moynihan Nasim Pedrad Jay Pharoah Taran Killam Vanessa Bayer Kate McKinnon Cecily Strong Aidy Bryant
Featured
Beck Bennett Kyle Mooney John Milhiser Noël Wells Brooks Wheelan Mike O'Brien
Departed
Bill Hader Jason Sudeikis Fred Armisen Seth Meyers
Bill Hader, Jason Sudeikis, Fred Armisen, and Seth Meyers all departed — the biggest cast exodus since the Farley-Sandler era. Beck Bennett and Kyle Mooney joined; Bennett in particular became a reliable utility player. A large featured-player class was brought in, most of whom did not last past one season. Noël Wells and Brooks Wheelan departed after one season each.
40
Season 40 · 2014–15
40th Anniversary Special; Leslie Jones Joins
21 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Kenan Thompson Bobby Moynihan Jay Pharoah Taran Killam Vanessa Bayer Kate McKinnon Cecily Strong Aidy Bryant Beck Bennett Kyle Mooney Nasim Pedrad
Featured Players
Leslie Jones Pete Davidson Michael Che Colin Jost Sasheer Zamata
Departed
Nasim Pedrad John Milhiser Noël Wells
The 40th anniversary special (Feb 15, 2015) was a major television event featuring dozens of alumni. Pete Davidson joined at 20 years old, making him one of the youngest cast members ever. Michael Che and Colin Jost became Weekend Update anchors — a pairing that would last a decade. Leslie Jones joined first as a writer then on-screen; Sasheer Zamata also joined, following audience criticism of the lack of Black female cast members. Taran Killam and Jay Pharoah were let go after Season 41.

Producer Era 7

Lorne Michaels — The Trump Era & Season 50

Seasons 41–50 · 2015–2025 · NBC · The Trump presidency generated massive ratings and cultural engagement. Alec Baldwin's Trump impression became a recurring fixture. McKinnon's Clinton and later Biden impressions anchored political coverage. The show saw significant turnover by Season 46–47 and rebuilt around a new generation for Season 50's milestone.

41
Season 41 · 2015–16
Trump Hosts; Election Coverage Begins
21 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Kenan Thompson Bobby Moynihan Jay Pharoah Taran Killam Vanessa Bayer Kate McKinnon Cecily Strong Aidy Bryant Beck Bennett Kyle Mooney Leslie Jones Pete Davidson Sasheer Zamata
Featured
Jon Rudnitsky Melissa Villaseñor Mikey Day
Donald Trump hosted the November 7, 2015 episode (before his candidacy was fully taken seriously) — a controversial booking that drew protests. Darrell Hammond had been playing Trump; Taran Killam also played him. McKinnon began her Hillary Clinton impression this season. The show was now deeply embedded in the election cycle. Jon Rudnitsky joined and left after one season.
42
Season 42 · 2016–17
Baldwin as Trump; Highest Ratings in Years
21 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Kenan Thompson Bobby Moynihan Vanessa Bayer Kate McKinnon Cecily Strong Aidy Bryant Beck Bennett Kyle Mooney Leslie Jones Pete Davidson Melissa Villaseñor Mikey Day
Featured
Alex Moffat Luke Null
Departed
Taran Killam Jay Pharoah Sasheer Zamata
Alec Baldwin debuted as Donald Trump on Oct 1, 2016 — the season premiere — and became a recurring fixture throughout the Trump presidency, earning a recurring Emmy nomination. McKinnon's Clinton and Baldwin's Trump drove enormous cultural conversation. The election-night cold open (Nov 5, 2016) — McKinnon as Clinton performing "Hallelujah" — became one of the most iconic moments in the show's recent history. Ratings surged. Taran Killam and Jay Pharoah were let go.
43
Season 43 · 2017–18
Trump Era Peak; Strong Ensemble
21 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Kenan Thompson Vanessa Bayer Kate McKinnon Cecily Strong Aidy Bryant Beck Bennett Kyle Mooney Leslie Jones Pete Davidson Melissa Villaseñor Mikey Day Alex Moffat
Featured
Chris Redd Heidi Gardner Ego Nwodim
Departed
Bobby Moynihan Vanessa Bayer Luke Null
Chris Redd and Heidi Gardner joined as featured players. Pete Davidson's increasingly personal Weekend Update commentaries on his relationship with Ariana Grande, his mental health, and his father's death in 9/11 made him a sui generis presence. The political sketches — with recurring appearances from Baldwin, Melissa McCarthy as Sean Spicer, and others — drove massive viewership.
44
Season 44 · 2018–19
Pete Davidson / Kanye / Shane Gillis
22 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Kenan Thompson Kate McKinnon Cecily Strong Aidy Bryant Beck Bennett Kyle Mooney Leslie Jones Pete Davidson Melissa Villaseñor Mikey Day Alex Moffat Chris Redd Heidi Gardner Ego Nwodim
Featured
Colin Jost (Update) Michael Che (Update)
Kanye West appeared unannounced after the Season 44 premiere (Oct 6, 2018), sparring with the audience and delivering a MAGA speech. Davidson's Weekend Update commentaries remained culturally dominant. The season saw Pete Davidson's public relationship and breakup with Ariana Grande play out in real time. Productive ensemble season with deep political material. Shane Gillis was cast for Season 45 and fired days later over unearthed racist material before appearing on air.
45
Season 45 · 2019–20
COVID Cuts Season Short; At-Home Episode
15 episodes (COVID-shortened) Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Kenan Thompson Kate McKinnon Cecily Strong Aidy Bryant Beck Bennett Kyle Mooney Pete Davidson Melissa Villaseñor Mikey Day Alex Moffat Chris Redd Heidi Gardner Ego Nwodim
Featured
Chloe Fineman Bowen Yang Lauren Holt
Departed / Not Renewed
Leslie Jones Kyle Mooney Beck Bennett
The COVID-19 pandemic halted production in March 2020 after Episode 15. The show produced three at-home episodes (April–May 2020) with cast members filming from their homes using iPhones and webcams — the most unusual production circumstances in the show's history. Bowen Yang became the first featured player credited on Weekend Update as a correspondent. Chloe Fineman also joined. Leslie Jones departed. Shane Gillis was notably not recast.
46
Season 46 · 2020–21
COVID Season; Jim Carrey as Biden
18 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Kenan Thompson Kate McKinnon Cecily Strong Aidy Bryant Pete Davidson Melissa Villaseñor Mikey Day Alex Moffat Chris Redd Heidi Gardner Ego Nwodim Chloe Fineman Bowen Yang
Featured
Andrew Dismukes Lauren Holt Punkie Johnson
The season aired with COVID protocols — socially distanced audience, limited in-studio capacity through the fall. Jim Carrey played Joe Biden as a recurring guest — a controversial casting choice; Carrey left after the election. McKinnon's Biden impression took over. The show's post-Trump political sketches lost some urgency that had driven the Baldwin-era ratings surge. Lauren Holt did not return after this season.
47
Season 47 · 2021–22
Major Departures; New Generation Arrives
22 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Kenan Thompson Kate McKinnon Cecily Strong Aidy Bryant Pete Davidson Melissa Villaseñor Mikey Day Alex Moffat Chris Redd Heidi Gardner Ego Nwodim Chloe Fineman Bowen Yang Andrew Dismukes Punkie Johnson
Featured
James Austin Johnson Aristotle Athari Sarah Sherman
James Austin Johnson joined and quickly became one of the most praised cast members for his Trump impression — widely considered superior to Baldwin's and built on a deeper vocal mimicry. Sarah Sherman ("Sarah Squirm") joined with a distinctive absurdist sensibility. Pete Davidson starred in The King of Staten Island (2020) and his celebrity profile continued to grow off-screen. The season premiered with a notable COVID cold open.
48
Season 48 · 2022–23
McKinnon, Bryant, Davidson, Strong Depart
22 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Kenan Thompson Mikey Day Alex Moffat Chris Redd Heidi Gardner Ego Nwodim Chloe Fineman Bowen Yang Andrew Dismukes Punkie Johnson James Austin Johnson Aristotle Athari Sarah Sherman
Featured
Marcello Hernandez Molly Kearney Michael Longfellow Devon Walker
Departed
Kate McKinnon Aidy Bryant Pete Davidson Cecily Strong Alex Moffat Melissa Villaseñor Kyle Mooney
The largest single-season exodus since Season 5. Kate McKinnon, Aidy Bryant, Pete Davidson, and Cecily Strong — the pillars of the show for nearly a decade — all departed. McKinnon had been the defining cast member of the 2010s. The show faced its most significant rebuild in 30 years. A new featured-player class — Marcello Hernandez, Molly Kearney, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker — was brought in. Molly Kearney became the first nonbinary cast member. Cecily Strong departed mid-season.
49
Season 49 · 2023–24
Rebuilding; New Cast Finds Its Footing
20 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Kenan Thompson Mikey Day Heidi Gardner Ego Nwodim Chloe Fineman Bowen Yang Andrew Dismukes Punkie Johnson James Austin Johnson Sarah Sherman Marcello Hernandez Molly Kearney Michael Longfellow Devon Walker
Featured
Chloe Troy Ashley Padilla Shane Gillis
Departed
Chris Redd Aristotle Athari Punkie Johnson
Shane Gillis returned as a featured player — four years after being fired before his first episode. He hosted the season's final episode. James Austin Johnson's Trump impression continued to be a standout. The show aired through a presidential primary season with both Trump and Biden as major subjects. The cast, while younger and less immediately star-making than prior eras, showed genuine chemistry. Kenan Thompson is now far and away the longest-tenured cast member in show history.
50
Season 50 · 2024–25
50th Anniversary Season
22 episodes Producer: Lorne Michaels
Regular Cast
Kenan Thompson Mikey Day Heidi Gardner Ego Nwodim Chloe Fineman Bowen Yang Andrew Dismukes James Austin Johnson Sarah Sherman Marcello Hernandez Molly Kearney Michael Longfellow Devon Walker
Featured Players
Jane Wickline Nate Bargatze (host, not cast) Emil Wakim Ashley Padilla
Departed
Kenan Thompson Molly Kearney Punkie Johnson
The 50th anniversary season culminated in a massive live special celebrating the show's history. Kenan Thompson departed after 21 seasons — the longest tenure in the show's history, surpassing Darrell Hammond's 14 seasons. The 50th anniversary live special (Feb 16, 2025) featured dozens of cast alumni spanning all eras. James Austin Johnson's Trump impression anchored a politically active election season. The 2024 presidential election — with Kamala Harris, Trump, and Joe Biden all as major subjects — generated some of the show's strongest political material in years. Harris was played by Maya Rudolph (returning as a guest), Trump by James Austin Johnson.

Reference

Producer Eras & Key Statistics

Lorne Michaels — Original Run
Seasons 1–5 (1975–1980) ~106 episodes
Jean Doumanian
Season 6 (1980–1981) 13 episodes Fired mid-season; Ebersol finished
Dick Ebersol
Seasons 7–10 (1981–1985) ~73 episodes
Lorne Michaels — Return (all subsequent seasons)
Seasons 11–50 (1985–2025) ~800+ episodes Longest producing run in late-night history
Longest-tenured cast members: Kenan Thompson (S29–S50, 21 seasons), Darrell Hammond (S20–S35, ~14 seasons as cast + additional as announcer), Tim Meadows (S15–S25, ~10 seasons), Seth Meyers (S27–S38, ~11 seasons), Kenan Thompson holds the record outright.

First female head writer: Tina Fey (S25, 1999).
First nonbinary cast member: Molly Kearney (S48, 2022).
Youngest cast member: Anthony Michael Hall (S11, age 17) and Pete Davidson (S40, age 20).
Most culturally impactful impressions by era: Ford/Carter (Chase), Reagan/Sinatra (Piscopo), Bush 41 (Carvey), Clinton (Hartman/Hammond), Bush 43 (Ferrell), Obama (Armisen/Pharoah), Palin (Fey), Trump (Baldwin/J.A. Johnson), Harris (Rudolph).