SNL Cast Predictions for Season 43: Who’s In? Who’s Out?
Photo by Mary Ellen Matthews / Courtesy of NBC
Following its best season in decades, a major Saturday Night Live cast shake-up is unlikely. Still, with the exit of stalwarts Vanessa Bayer, Bobby Moynihan and Sasheer Zamata, Executive Producer Lorne Michaels has his work cut out for him rebuilding for Season 43. Expect new cast members to be announced just prior to next fall’s season premier, though it wouldn’t be surprising to see one or two current cast members released this summer. Finessing the finer points of his SNL cast has been something for which Michaels is both revered and feared.
As we’ve done in the past, we’re breaking down who we expect to return from the current cast, and what Not Ready for Primetime Players we think will be joining Bayer, Moynihan and Zamata in pursuing new endeavors. It should be noted that these predictions are highly speculative—based entirely on close watching the show all season. We have no insider information and, frankly, give no weight to showbiz gossip.
So with that caveat, here are our predictions for who will be back, who will go, and who is on the cusp.
WILL BE BACK
Mikey Day
100% chance of return
Former staff writer turned featured performer Mikey Day was Season 42’s surprise breakout star. Day showed up in leading roles from the get-go, and by season’s end was SNL’s most recognizable new guy. Day’s particular genius is making the most out of every character he plays, coupled with his unique ability to make even the most absurd characters utterly believable. Expect him to be promoted to full repertory company for his second season—well on his way to “the next Will Farrell” accolades by season’s end.
Aidy Bryant
95% chance of return
In just five seasons at SNL, Aidy Bryant has become one of the show’s most original and reliable voices. Bryant is the master of both the comically awkward preteen and the unflappably confident middle-aged matron—bringing a level of empathy to each that is rarely seen in sketch comedy. Expect Bryant to follow Vanessa Bayer’s lead, with her sixth season serving as a breakout year, which sets her up for a “victory lap” seventh.
Beck Bennett
90% chance of return
It took Bennett four seasons to go from offbeat, alt-comedy douchebag to heir-apparent to SNL’s Bland White Guy—a traditional slot that was left wide open after Taran Killam’s surprise departure last year. This has been disappointing to those of us who like the old, edgier Beck, but bodes well for his longevity with the show. Bennett’s had an solid season—his busiest. But he’d be wise to keep his edge. First year featured player Alex Moffat is Bland White Guy in waiting.
Leslie Jones
85% chance of return
Leslie Jones will be back for SNL 43 for one main reason: because she’s pretty much hilarious in everything she does. She might not be the best actor or most experienced sketch performer, but she has a presence and personality that can’t be denied. I still think a Jones-Che Weekend Update team would be a masterstroke, but I don’t think we’re going to see that happen, as Jost-Che seems locked-in for the near future.
Kate McKinnon
80% chance of return
I was pretty sure that Kate McKinnon would leave after her star turn third season, last year. Just like the great college basketball players who turn pro after their freshman or sophomore year, Kate’s talents are out-sized for Studio 8H—she’s a movie star. SNL42 was solid for Kate, just not as stunning as Season 41. And though there doesn’t seem to be any practical reasons for her to stay, I do expect her back for one final season.