Gen Z and SNLS Shift Right
Will Cain is teaming up with comedian Cody Tucker in a discussion about historical quirks. Meanwhile, Alex Brue Schwitz, an advisor for the 2024 Trump Campaign, speaks on evolving trends as Generation Z and popular culture lean right.
In an Instagram farewell, Devon Walker, a former “Saturday Night Live” cast member, expressed his feelings about the show, referring to it as “hell-like toxic.” Walker announced his departure from the NBC sketch series with the caption, “Me and Baby have broken up,” alongside some behind-the-scenes snapshots.
He shared another post with a note that raised questions about whether he voluntarily left or was let go. In reflecting on his time, he stated, “To me, work in this industry feels like a small bunch of marriages. If we’re lucky, it lasts for a long time, but most are fleeting. They’re permanent until they’re not. That’s just how it works.”
Walker acknowledged the mixture of experiences during his time on SNL, saying it was both enjoyable and exceptionally dysfunctional. He noted, “I and the show were doing it together for three years. So, sometimes it was really cool, sometimes it was toxic as hell. But we really made the most of it, even amidst all the chaos.”
Looking ahead, he mentioned plans for a trip to Japan and expressed a desire to land a role in a prestige drama, preferably alongside Julianne Moore.
As casting changes unfold, it’s been reported that Emil Wakim, who was part of the previous season, won’t be returning—calling the news a “gut punch.” Michael Longfellow, who also joined in 2022 with Walker, is expected to leave as well. Notably, Heidi Gardner, the longest-running female cast member, is reportedly also finishing her time after eight seasons.
This wave of cast exits comes shortly after Lorne Michaels, creator and executive producer of SNL, mentioned the need to “shake up” the show amid pressure for reinvention. More changes are anticipated to be announced soon, although it’s been confirmed that James Austin Johnson, recognized for his portrayal of Donald Trump, will be returning.
