"Gardner first joined the show in 2017, and was SNL 's longest tenured female cast member. Gardner joins Michael Longfellow, Emil Wakim, and Devon Walker, the three other cast members who revealed that they would be leaving the show this week. All three gentlemen had less tenure than Gardner, though, who'd become a Weekend Update favorite with characters like Angel, Every Boxer's Girlfriend from Every Movie About Boxing Ever, and teen film critic Bailey Gismert."
"There have been a fair number of goodbyes on Saturday Night Live in recent years, as 11 cast members ended up departing the series between Seasons 46 and 48, including Kate McKinnon, Aidy Bryant, Pete Davidson, Chris Redd, Melissa Villaseñor, and Kyle Mooney. Since that time, the biggest turnover happened prior to the start of Season 50, as Season 49 cast members Punkie Johnson, Molly Kearney, and Chloe Troast did not end up returning."
"Meanwhile, the most senior cast member amongst the current Not Ready for Primetime Players remains Kenan Thompson, who has now been on the show for 22 seasons, ever since 2003. SNL spent the first half of 2025 celebrating its 50th season, including an in-depth documentary on the show's music and a 50th anniversary special packed with stars. Season 51 is set to debut October 4th, 2025, on NBC."
Heidi Gardner will not return for Season 51 of Saturday Night Live after joining the cast in 2017 and becoming the longest-tenured female cast member. Gardner leaves alongside Michael Longfellow, Emil Wakim, and Devon Walker, each of whom announced departures this week. Gardner became a Weekend Update favorite with characters such as Angel, Every Boxer's Girlfriend from Every Movie About Boxing Ever, and teen film critic Bailey Gismert. Eleven cast members departed between Seasons 46 and 48, and further turnover occurred before Season 50. Kenan Thompson remains the longest-serving cast member at 22 seasons. Season 51 debuts October 4, 2025.
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