Quick Read
- Emil Wakim exits ‘Saturday Night Live’ after one season, calling the decision a ‘gut punch.’
- Wakim joined the SNL cast for its 50th season in 2024 and quickly became a standout.
- His departure is part of a broader cast shakeup ahead of SNL’s 51st season, set to premiere October 4.
- Wakim is returning to Indiana to perform at the Comedy Attic, where his career began.
In a surprising turn of events, comedian Emil Wakim has announced his departure from NBC’s iconic sketch comedy series, Saturday Night Live (SNL), after just one season. The announcement, made on August 27 through an emotional Instagram post, has sparked conversations about the ongoing cast shakeups at the long-running show. Wakim, who joined the cast for the 50th season in 2024, called the decision a “gut punch” and reflected on his brief but impactful journey at Studio 8H.
Emil Wakim’s Journey to SNL: A Comedian on the Rise
Emil Wakim’s rise in the comedy world began in Bloomington, Indiana, where he honed his craft at the Comedy Attic. In 2022, he gained national attention with a stand-up performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and was named a “New Face of Comedy” at the prestigious Just For Laughs Comedy Festival. His unique voice, shaped by his Lebanese-American heritage and sharp observational humor, earned him a spot on SNL’s 50th season, a milestone year for the show.
Wakim’s tenure on SNL was marked by memorable sketches and characters. From playing Luigi Mangione in a satirical take on true crime to appearing on “Weekend Update” with witty, self-deprecating humor, he quickly became a standout. One particularly notable segment featured Wakim reflecting on the moral complexities of being an American, joking, “I love my life. I do. I just don’t want to know how it’s made.”
Despite his successes, Wakim’s time at SNL was cut short, a decision that he revealed was not his own. In his Instagram post, he expressed gratitude to the show’s creator, Lorne Michaels, for the opportunity, describing his experience as “the most terrifying, thrilling, and rewarding” of his life. “I was so lucky to bring some of myself in there and say things I believed in,” he wrote.
A Season of Change: Cast Exits and Behind-the-Scenes Shifts
Wakim’s departure comes amid a period of significant change for SNL. Ahead of the 51st season, several cast members and writers have exited the show. Just days before Wakim’s announcement, fellow cast member Devon Walker, who had been with the show for three seasons, also revealed his departure. Walker described his experience as a mix of highs and lows, calling it a “f–ked up lil family” in his farewell message.
Additionally, writers Celeste Yim and Rosebud Baker confirmed they would not be returning, signaling broader shifts in the show’s creative team. These changes align with comments made by Lorne Michaels, who hinted at a “reinvention” for the upcoming season in an interview with Puck. While Michaels confirmed that James Austin Johnson, known for his portrayal of former President Donald Trump, will remain on the cast, other details about the new lineup have yet to be announced.
Reflections and Future Aspirations
For Wakim, the news of his exit arrived in an unexpected setting—while celebrating a friend’s birthday at Six Flags amusement park. He humorously recounted taking an emotional walk through Bugs Bunny Park, contemplating life as he stared across Daffy Duck Lake. Despite the disappointment, Wakim remains optimistic about his future. “Here’s to making more art without compromise,” he wrote, hinting at his next creative endeavors.
Wakim’s departure has also sparked broader discussions about SNL’s evolving cast dynamics. Historically, the show has seen numerous high-profile exits, often paving the way for new talent and fresh perspectives. As Wakim himself noted, “Every time I scanned into the building, I thought about how insane it was to work there.” His gratitude underscores the unique, albeit challenging, experience of being part of one of television’s most enduring institutions.
What’s Next for SNL and Emil Wakim?
SNL is set to return for its 51st season on October 4, with fans eagerly awaiting the full cast announcement. Speculation is rife about new additions and potential format changes, including a rumored revamp of the “Weekend Update” segment. Lorne Michaels has promised updates in the coming weeks, keeping audiences on edge.
As for Wakim, he is wasting no time moving forward. The comedian is scheduled to perform at the Comedy Attic in Bloomington, Indiana, reconnecting with the roots that launched his career. With his talent and determination, it’s clear that this is only the beginning of his journey in the entertainment industry.
Though Emil Wakim’s time at SNL was brief, his impact was undeniable. As the show prepares for a new chapter, Wakim’s departure serves as a reminder of the ever-changing nature of comedy and the resilience required to thrive in it.