With the loss of several fan favorite comedians and the transition of Seth Meyers from the Weekend Update to NBC's "Late Night" show, Saturday Night Live is set to be revamped with some of the biggest changes in its almost four-decade long history.
Earlier this year, it was announced that Jason Sudeikis, Fred Armisen, and Bill Hader would all be departing SNL to focus on different projects. Armisen will continue to work on his hit show "Portlandia" while Hader has returned to writing for "South Park." With these popular actors leaving, fans wondered about what would happen to one of America's most beloved shows. This week, NBC announced that six talented young comedians would take up the mantle of these legendary stars. Notable among them is Beck Bennett, whom viewers should recognize from AT&T's infamous 'It's Not Complicated' commercials featuring little kids, and Michael Patrick O'Brien, longtime SNL writer.
Fans have also been concerned about the Weekend Update segment since Seth Meyers is preparing to leave to host the "Late Night" show in February. SNL creator and producer Lorne Michaels told the media this week that the show will return to a two-host format, with Cecily Strong starring alongside Meyers.
This is a somewhat surprising move, as Strong only made her SNL debut last season and this position is an almost guaranteed path to stardom. Previous occupants of the chair include Amy Poehler of Parks and Recreation, Tina Fey of "30 Rock," and Jimmy Fallon, host of "Late Night" and future "The Tonight Show" host. However, Lorne Michaels seems confident in this decision. He said, "Cecily, from the first show, was right there." She regularly appeared on the Weekend Update last year as the "Girl You Wish You Hadn't Started a Conversation With at a Party."
Also, Tim Robinson, who was introduced as a new cast member last season, will become a member of the writing staff. Saturday Night Live is set to start its 39th season on September 28th with Tina Feygas host.
Contact Jimmy Kemper at jkemper2@nd.edu
