Amidst jokes circulating about cast member Sarah Sherman's potential departure and Weekend Update's Colin Jost rumored to be the front-runner to succeed Saturday Night Live's legendary boss Lorne Michaels, the Season 50 finale of the iconic NBC sketch comedy series unfolded with a blend of sentimentality and mystery. As the curtains drew for the final bow, long embraces were shared, yet no tangible hints of impending changes were discernible.
A cast comprising 17 members, six of whom are seasoned veterans with seven or more seasons under their belts—Jost, Michael Che, Mikey Day, Heidi Gardner, Ego Nwodim, and Kenan Thompson, the longest-serving SNL cast member in history with an astonishing 22 years—hints at a transformation on the horizon. Notably absent were the grand send-offs bestowed upon long-time cast members in past finales, akin to the star-studded farewell Kristen Wiig received in 2012. Instead, the flowers during tonight's curtain call were a gesture from Jost to his wife, Scarlett Johansson, who hosted the finale. (Viewers could catch the full episode online, albeit somewhat jarringly interrupted by an NBC promo for Suits LA's finale during Johansson's speech, leaving some fans puzzled over any overlooked cast farewells.)
Of the current long-timers, only Che has openly contemplated his exit post-season, albeit during a stand-up routine—a sentiment he has echoed before, offering no further clues during tonight's closing segment. Several other veteran SNL cast members have dropped hints on interviews and social media about potentially stepping away, yet tonight's finale revealed no such indications, in stark contrast to Kate McKinnon's emotional farewell.
Business as usual prevailed, with a surprising twist: Sarah Sherman, one of the busier newer additions to the SNL family, was playfully singled out by Johansson during her opening monologue. "It's been a great season, and Sarah is leaving; we're all gonna miss you next year," Johansson sang, prompting a baffled Sherman to respond, "Wait, what? Did you guys hear something? What do you mean leaving?" It was all in jest; Sherman's selection likely stemmed from her unexpectedness as a departure candidate. During the final curtain call, Sherman was one of two cast members—alongside Nwodim—whom Bowen Yang warmly embraced for an extended period. Yang, entering his seventh year with the show despite being officially listed as a cast member for six seasons (having started as a writer), has witnessed his film career skyrocket, positioning him as one of SNL's MVPs.
The finale also tackled widespread rumors surrounding Jost's potential succession of Michaels at the helm of SNL. Michaels had initially hinted at stepping down after the show's landmark 50th anniversary but later rescinded this, stating there was "no immediate plan" for his departure. During Weekend Update's infamous and beloved semi-annual Joke Swap between Che and Jost, Jost was handed the comedic gauntlet: "It's SNL's 50th season, so I want to take a moment to say something to our boss, Lorne Michaels. Lorne, retire, bitch! Let me run the show." Jost revisited the subject later, donning red lipstick as prompted by Che to deliver another scripted line: "Lorne, I'll do anything to run this show."
During the curtain call, Johansson, Jost's wife, paid tribute to Michaels, congratulating him on SNL's golden jubilee. "You are a singular man; we love you and thank you," she said.
The timing of any announcements regarding departing SNL cast members remains uncertain. Traditionally, veterans who opt to leave make their announcements in the weeks subsequent to the season finale. After a brief respite, Michaels resumes his duties by July, with decisions on who will not be invited back typically made between August and early September.
