Emil Wakim announced on August 27, 2025, that he would not return to Saturday Night Live for Season 51, ending his run as a featured player after one season. He called the news a “gut punch,” but also said he was grateful for his time on the show. The reports do not give a confirmed reason for his departure.
What happened to Emil Wakim on SNL?
Wakim said he would not return to the NBC sketch-comedy show for its next season. TheWrap reported his August 27, 2025, announcement and quoted his Instagram post: “I won’t be returning to snl next year. it was a gut punch of a call to get but i’m so grateful for my time there.” The Los Angeles Times later reported that he was not returning after joining the cast for Season 50.
![Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Collection: Seasons One - Five [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41+XakhOIGL._SL160_.jpg)
Wakim joined Saturday Night Live in 2024 as a featured player. His tenure on the show lasted one season: Season 50.
Why is Emil Wakim leaving SNL?
No confirmed explanation for why Wakim was not brought back appears in the reports from TheWrap and the Los Angeles Times. They establish that he would not return and describe his reaction, but do not provide a statement explaining the decision from NBC or the show’s producers. It is therefore not established whether he was fired or why the cast change occurred.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
What did Wakim say about leaving?
In the post quoted by TheWrap, Wakim described the show as “the most terrifying, thrilling, and rewarding experience of my life” and said he would miss it and the people who made it feel like home. He also thanked executive producer Lorne Michaels “for taking a chance on me and changing my life,” and said he was excited for whatever came next.
TheWrap reported that Wakim received the news while at Six Flags for a friend’s birthday. These quotations and details are attributed to Wakim’s post as reproduced by the outlets.
Rank #2
- 12 DVDs of the best episodes from Seasons 1-5. Plus a 28-Page Collector’s Book telling the story of the show and cast
- 33 episodes with the original groundbreaking, irreverent, hilarious cast. Plus rare footage of the cast, including screen tests and interviews
- All-time classic sketches including “Land Shark,” “Word Association,” “The Killer Bees,” “Super Bass-o-Matic,” “Weekend Update,” and so many more
- Iconic characters including Coneheads, Samurai, Emily Litella, Chevy Chase as President Ford, Shower Mike, The Blues Brothers, Baba Wawa, and more! You'll also recieve special episodes including Chevy Chase's return to SNL with music icon Billy Joel, plus the historic 100th episode!
- Guest Hosts include George Carlin, Richard Pryor, Steve Martin, Candice Bergen, Paul Simon, and more
What was Wakim’s role on the show?
As a featured player in Season 50, Wakim appeared in sketches and on Weekend Update. The Los Angeles Times highlighted his Weekend Update appearances and his role as Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman in the season finale’s cold open.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How Wakim’s exit fit into the Season 51 cast change
Wakim’s departure came during a broader transition between the show’s 50th and 51st seasons. On September 2, 2025, NBC announced five new cast members for Season 51: Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska. Season 51 was scheduled to premiere on October 4, 2025, according to TheWrap and the Los Angeles Times.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
