Emil Wakim calls SNL departure a ‘gut punch’ after milestone season

Saturday Night Live is saying goodbye to Emil Wakim after only one season on the long-running NBC sketch series. Wakim, who joined the show for its landmark 50th season in 2024, revealed on social media that his departure was not his choice.

“It was a gut punch of a call to get,” the Lebanese-American comedian wrote in an Instagram post, explaining that he received the news while celebrating a friend’s birthday at Six Flags. He described taking an emotional walk-through Bugs Bunny Park, staring out over Daffy Duck Lake, and reflecting on life after being told he would not return.

Despite the abrupt ending, Wakim expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity, calling his time at SNL “the most terrifying, thrilling and rewarding experience of my life.” He added that he would miss the talented people he worked with and signed off with a message of resilience: “Here’s to making more art without compromise.”

Wakim’s exit follows the recent announcement that fellow cast member Devon Walker would also not return for season 51, marking two consecutive cast departures in just days. Executive producer Lorne Michaels hinted in a recent interview that more changes could be on the way, though he confirmed James Austin Johnson would continue in his role as Donald Trump.

Before joining SNL, Wakim built his reputation on the stand-up circuit, appearing on The Tonight Show and performing at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival, where he was named a ‘New Face of Comedy’ in 2022. He also opened for established comics such as Roy Wood Jr., Nikki Glaser, and Hasan Minhaj.

While his time at SNL was brief, Wakim’s impact has already sparked conversation among fans about the challenges new cast members face on the show. As the series prepares for its 51st season, viewers will be watching closely to see how the shake-ups shape the future of Saturday Night Live.