Why did Andy Samberg leave 'SNL'?

In a recent interview on Kevin Hart's "Hart to Heart," Andy Samberg candidly discussed the reasons behind his departure from "Saturday Night Live" after seven years. The comedian, known for his viral digital shorts with The Lonely Island, revealed the grueling schedule and lack of sleep were taking a toll on his well-being.

Samberg described the intense workweeks, filled with late-night writing sessions, table reads, and filming, which left him sleep-deprived for years. The departure of his Lonely Island collaborators, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone, added to the pressure as he became solely responsible for the digital shorts.

While acknowledging the creative fulfillment of working on "SNL," Samberg emphasized the difficulty of leaving a platform that allowed him to instantly bring his ideas to life. He sought advice from former co-stars like Amy Poehler before making the tough decision to prioritize his mental and physical health.

Despite the show's producers expressing their desire for him to stay, Samberg ultimately chose to leave in 2012. He admitted it was a challenging choice but necessary for his well-being.

"Saturday Night Live" is now gearing up for its 50th season, and Samberg's full interview with Hart is available to stream on Peacock.