Scarlett Johansson and the cast of "Saturday Night Live" on May 17, 2025
Tommy Brennan is one of five new additions to the cast of "Saturday Night Live."
Kam Patterson has joined the cast of "Saturday Night Live," NBC announced on Sept. 2.
Walton Goggins hosts "Saturday Night Live" on May, 10 2025.

"Saturday Night Live" is getting some new blood.

The sketch show has added five featured players for its 51st season in the fall, NBC announced Sept. 2: Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson and Veronika Slowikowska.

The hirings come on the heels of "SNL" losing several members of its cast. In recent days, Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow and Emil Wakim have all announced their exits. The three comics joined the show from 2022 to 2024. Wakim described his departure as a "gut punch" in an Instagram post, while Longfellow told fans he wishes he were returning for another season.

Reports from several outlets, including Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, also said longtime cast member Heidi Gardner will be leaving after eight seasons, though she has not yet confirmed her exit.

Meet the five new cast members of "SNL" below:

Tommy Brennan

Brennan is a comedian from Minnesota who performed stand-up on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" in June. He reacted to news of his hiring by writing on Instagram, "This doesn't feel real, but we'll see you guys on Saturdays!"

Jeremy Culhane

Culhane is a comedian from California who performs with the Upright Citizens Brigade comedy group and Dropout TV. He has also appeared on shows like "The Sex Lives of College Girls" and "American Vandal."

Ben Marshall

Marshall is a comedian from Georgia who previously joined "SNL" as a writer in 2021. He has appeared on the show as part of Please Don't Destroy, a comedy trio that produces digital shorts.

Veronika Slowikowska

Slowikowska is a comedian from Ontario, Canada, who has appeared on the FX comedy "What We Do in the Shadows" and the Shane Gillis Netflix series "Tires."

Kam Patterson

Patterson is a comedian from Florida who has appeared on the comedy podcast "Kill Tony" and has a role in the upcoming Netflix film "72 Hours."

"Saturday Night Live" is coming off a landmark 50th season, which included Maya Rudolph and Dana Carvey starring as former Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Joe Biden, respectively. The 50th anniversary was commemorated with a primetime special in February.

Ahead of "SNL" Season 50 in 2024, three new cast members were added to the cast: Wakim, Ashley Padilla and Jane Wickline.

It was not immediately clear whether any additional "SNL" stars will be leaving ahead of the new season.

Creator Lorne Michaels previously teased a cast shakeup in an interview with Puck. When asked whether he feels pressure to "reinvent" in the new season, Michaels told the outlet, "Yeah, for sure." But Michaels confirmed James Austin Johnson will return and continue playing President Donald Trump.

"SNL" Season 51 will premiere on Oct. 4. The host and musical guest for the season premiere haven't been announced.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Saturday Night Live' adds 5 stars to its cast after departures

Reporting by Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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