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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Martin Herlihy is leaving Saturday Night Live ahead of Season 52, after five seasons with the show, ABC Audio reported on September 9, 2026. That marks the latest change in the show’s relationship with Please Don’t Destroy—not the end of the comedy trio. The group’s official site says Herlihy, Ben Marshall, and John Higgins are still writing, touring, and making videos together.
What “the end of an era” actually means
The change is specific: Herlihy is leaving SNL. It does not mean all three members of Please Don’t Destroy are leaving the show together, nor does it establish that the group has broken up. ABC Audio reported Herlihy’s decision on September 9, 2026, and said he had spent five seasons on the program. ABC Audio’s report does not establish a formal farewell sketch or final on-air goodbye, so “goodbye” here refers to his departure from the show.
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The group’s SNL chapter changed in stages. Herlihy, Marshall, and Higgins debuted on the show in 2021 as Please Don’t Destroy, making digital shorts. After four seasons appearing onscreen together, the members’ roles diverged: Higgins left ahead of Season 51, Marshall joined the cast, and Herlihy stayed on as a writer. During Season 51, Herlihy also appeared in some shorts billed “A Film by Martin Herlihy.”
Where the three members stand on SNL
| Member | SNL status | What the record establishes |
|---|---|---|
| Martin Herlihy | Leaving before Season 52 | ABC Audio reported he decided to leave after five seasons; he spent Season 51 writing after four seasons appearing onscreen with PDD. ABC Audio, September 9, 2026. |
| John Higgins | Departed before Season 51 | ABC Audio identifies his departure ahead of Season 51. ABC Audio, September 9, 2026. |
| Ben Marshall | Returning cast member for Season 52 | NBCUniversal includes Marshall on its Season 52 returning cast list. NBCUniversal, September 16, 2026. |
NBCUniversal’s September 16, 2026, Season 52 announcement also characterized SNL as the #1 broadcast comedy series in the 18–49 demographic for the 2025–26 season and reported 11 Emmy nominations for Season 51. Those are claims attributed to NBCUniversal’s announcement, not broader rankings across every audience or platform.
Is Please Don’t Destroy breaking up?
The available official information says no: Please Don’t Destroy’s official website describes the trio as continuing to write, tour, and make videos together. It identifies the members as Herlihy, Marshall, and Higgins, and says they spent four seasons writing and making videos for SNL. Herlihy leaving the program is not evidence that he is leaving the group.
The group’s site also describes its live sketch work and feature film, Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain. Touring schedules and streaming catalogs can change, so check the group’s site and the relevant service for current dates and availability.
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 to watch next
For the original digital shorts
Peacock’s Please Don’t Destroy guide lists sketches and their SNL episode references, including “Hard Seltzer,” “Three Sad Virgins,” “Tommy,” “Chelsea,” “The Stakeout,” “Road Trip,” “Original Princes of Comedy,” and “Bad Bunny Is Shrek.” Peacock identifies “Three Sad Virgins,” featuring Pete Davidson and Taylor Swift, as appearing in Season 47, Episode 6. The guide is useful for finding specific shorts; check Peacock’s current catalog for availability.
For a feature-length PDD story
The Treasure of Foggy Mountain is a comedy about three childhood friends—now deadbeat coworkers—seeking treasure. Universal Pictures At Home lists Martin Herlihy, John Higgins, Ben Marshall, Bowen Yang, and Conan O’Brien among its stars, names Paul Briganti as director, and lists the available format as digital. Please Don’t Destroy’s site names Prime Video and Peacock as viewing options; availability may vary over time.
For current group activity
Use Please Don’t Destroy’s official site for its group updates and touring information. It is the clearest official source here for the trio’s activity outside the show.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
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