Devon Walker Exits SNL After 3 Seasons, Calls Show ‘Toxic as Hell
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Devon Walker, the sharp-witted comedian who carved out a niche on “Saturday Night Live” over the past three seasons, has officially announced his departure from the long-running NBC sketch comedy show. In a candid Instagram post published Monday night, the 34-year-old revealed that his time on “SNL” had come to an end, describing the experience as “toxic as hell” at times while also acknowledging the creative highs and camaraderie that made it worthwhile.
Walker, who joined the show as a featured player in Season 48 in 2022 and was later promoted to the main cast in 2024, framed his exit as a bittersweet conclusion to a professional relationship that, like many in the entertainment industry, was intense and fleeting. “To me, jobs in this industry feel like a bunch of little marriages,” he wrote. “Some of them last for a long time if we’re lucky, but most of them are fleeting.”
His post, captioned “Me and baby broke up,” included a screenshot of a text message reading “I’m out” alongside a celebratory emoji. The note, titled “Wait… did he quit or did he get fired?” hinted at the ambiguity often surrounding cast exits from the famously hierarchical show. Walker also confirmed he’s heading to Japan and hopes to land a role in a prestige drama upon his return, ideally alongside Oscar-winning actress Julianne Moore.
His departure comes just days after “SNL” creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels confirmed to Puck News that major cast changes were in store for Season 51. “Yeah, for sure,” Michaels said when asked if he planned to shake up the cast ahead of the October 4 premiere. “It’ll be announced in a week or so.”
Michaels, who turned 80 earlier this year, also noted that last season was largely dedicated to celebrating the show’s 50th anniversary, which meant bringing back beloved alumni like Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, and Kate McKinnon. “I wanted people coming back and being part of [the 50th season],” he explained. “So, when Kate hosted, Kristen and Maya came back for it. And that meant there couldn’t be those kinds of disruptions or anything that was going to take the focus off [the 50th season].”
Walker’s exit is not the only one announced recently. Writer Celeste Yim, 29, also revealed their departure from the show in a heartfelt Instagram post, citing the “grueling” nature of the job. “Lorne hired me over the phone when I was 23 and the job literally made all of my dreams come true,” Yim wrote, “but it was also grueling and I slept in my office every week.”
Walker, known for his appearances on “Weekend Update” and spot-on celebrity impressions—including Michael Strahan, Van Jones, and Mayor Eric Adams—was a rising voice in the current SNL lineup. His departure marks the beginning of what appears to be a significant transition for the show as it seeks to reinvent itself amid shifting cultural expectations and audience demands.
While Walker’s comments about toxicity have sparked speculation, he stopped short of naming names or pointing fingers, instead framing the experience as a complex, often contradictory one. “We made a f–ked up lil family,” he wrote, acknowledging the dysfunction while also celebrating the creativity and connection forged under pressure.
As the show prepares for its 51st season, all eyes will be on Lorne Michaels to see which other cast members will remain—and who might be next to walk away. With Walker’s exit and Yim’s departure, the winds of change are clearly blowing through 30 Rock.
Stay tuned for more updates as details continue to unfold.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and NYP Post, Puck News, Instagram
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