Kenan Thompson opens up about considering life after SNL

Kenan Thompson holds the longest SNL tenure

Kenan Thompson is an American comedian and actor who has been on NBC’s Saturday Night Live since 2003. He is the show’s longest-tenured cast member, with over two decades on the series.

Kenan Thompson discussed his future on Saturday Night Live, saying he “definitely” thinks about eventually leaving. He added that the idea feels difficult after so many years on the show.

Kenan Thompson says exit will feel hard

Kenan Thompson told People that leaving Saturday Night Live is something he thinks about, adding, “It’s gonna suck.” He described his feelings about a possible exit in a candid quote.

Thompson explained that the show involves much more than what viewers see on camera, with many people working behind the scenes. He said he has spent years building relationships with those colleagues.

Kenan Thompson values the behind-the-scenes staff

Kenan Thompson said Saturday Night Live involves many off-camera contributors, noting that viewers usually see only one camera shot. He explained that numerous crew members support each episode.

Thompson added that he has worked with the same people for many years, and those long-term collaborations are part of why leaving the show would feel significant.

Kenan Thompson jokes about quiet exit

Kenan Thompson joked about leaving the show, saying he might “rip the bandaid and run out the back door” without telling anyone. He commented while discussing the idea of a future exit.

Thompson added that he might just write letters instead, turning the remark into a humorous take on saying goodbye. His joke highlighted his playful approach to the topic.

Kenan Thompson sees many departures

Kenan Thompson has seen many cast members leave Saturday Night Live, telling People that it is “usually always sad” when someone exits. He shared this perspective while reflecting on the show’s long-running cast changes.

Thompson said he has not yet experienced his own final moment and that being on the other side might feel different. He compared his anticipated feelings to telling others to “shake it off.”

Kenan Thompson mentions Bowen Yang exit

Kenan Thompson discussed recent cast departures, noting that Bowen Yang left during Season 51. Yang had joined the show as a writer in 2018.

Thompson said watching colleagues leave is difficult and connected those exits to his own feelings about eventually leaving. He described the emotional impact of long-term relationships built on the show.

Kenan Thompson calls the change drastic

Kenan Thompson said leaving Saturday Night Live would be a drastic change, noting he never expected the show to become such a large part of his life. He added that he once doubted he would even get the job.

Thompson connected these thoughts to his early career, reflecting on his surprise at being hired. He shared this perspective while discussing his long tenure on the show.

Kenan Thompson joined in 2003

Kenan Thompson began on Saturday Night Live in 2003, arriving at Studio 8H for Season 29. He has remained continuously on the show since then.

Thompson’s tenure now spans more than 20 years, surpassing that of any other cast member. His long run reflects his enduring presence and influence on the series.

Kenan Thompson holds the record length

Kenan Thompson is the longest-tenured cast member on Saturday Night Live by nearly a decade. By comparison, Darrell Hammond served 14 years on the show.

Seth Meyers spent 13 years on the program, while Colin Jost joined as a writer in 2005 and became a Weekend Update anchor in 2014. These figures highlight Thompson’s unmatched tenure.

Kenan Thompson predicted shakeups

Kenan Thompson hinted at upcoming cast changes in May 2025, noting that there could be a lot of change in the following year. He suggested that shifts in the lineup are natural as the show evolves and prepares for new seasons.

Thompson compared cast members to kids trying to stay young, expressing hope that many would remain on the show. At the same time, he acknowledged that some departures are inevitable, reflecting the realities of long-term careers in live television.

Season 51 saw multiple exits

Season 51 saw several cast departures, with Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, and Emil Wakim leaving before the season began. Bowen Yang exited later in the season, adding to the lineup changes.

Kenan Thompson referenced these departures in interviews, discussing cast turnover as a natural part of the show’s cycle. He connected these changes to moments of reflection on his own long tenure and the evolving nature of the program.

Lorne Michaels supports new talent

New cast members joined for Season 51, including Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska. Variety reported these names as fresh additions to the lineup.

Lorne Michaels spoke to Entertainment Tonight, saying, “Change is good.” He added that he felt excited about the new talent joining the show.

Curious about the backstage stories from SNL’s milestone seasons? Check out the full story on Chevy Chase texting Lorne Michaels after the 50th anniversary snub.

Kenan Thompson still stays on SNL

Kenan Thompson has not announced a departure and continues as a main player on Saturday Night Live. He has only shared thoughts about the future without making any formal plans.

His remarks focused on personal feelings rather than concrete decisions. Thompson confirmed he still values the show and described the job as meaningful.

Want to hear more behind-the-scenes stories from SNL? Check out the full story on why Bowen Yang almost left despite Lorne Michaels’ support.

Do you think Kenan Thompson will stay on SNL for many more seasons? Share your thoughts in the comments!

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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