Meet Veronika Slowikowska: The New Face of Saturday Night Live as Season 51 Sees a Major Shakeup

As one era of Saturday Night Live comes to a close, a new one is set to begin. Season 51 promises to be a major turning point for the iconic sketch show, with a significant cast and writer shakeup marking the biggest change since the show’s 40th anniversary. While the departure of beloved veterans and the “Please Don’t Destroy” trio is a tough pill for fans to swallow, it paves the way for a fresh wave of talent, led by new featured player Veronika Slowikowska.

The End of an Era: Saying Goodbye to Familiar Faces

The biggest news from Studio 8H is the confirmed exodus of several key players. The popular comedy trio “Please Don’t Destroy” (Ben Marshall, John Higgins, and Martin Herlihy) is no longer producing their signature digital shorts. While Marshall has been promoted to the cast and Herlihy remains on the writing staff, the departure of Higgins signals the end of their collaborative work on the show.

They are not alone. Long-tenured cast member Heidi Gardner, who became the longest-serving active female cast member, has left after eight seasons. Comedians Michael Longfellow, Emil Wakim, and Devon Walker have also announced their departures after shorter stints on the show, with Walker describing his time as “toxic as hell” at times, while also expressing gratitude for the experience. The shakeup extends to the writers’ room, with “Weekend Update” writer Rosebud Baker and five-season veteran Celeste Yim also moving on.

A New Generation Arrives: The Spotlight on Veronika Slowikowska

With the stage cleared, all eyes are on the incoming talent. Leading the charge of new cast members is the Canadian actress and comedian Veronika Slowikowska, who joins fellow newcomers Kam Patterson, Tommy Brennan, and Jeremy Culhane. Slowikowska, who is the sole female addition to the new cast, has a background that perfectly reflects the modern comedic landscape.

She gained a massive following through her viral sketch comedy videos on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Her work on television, including a recurring role in What We Do in the Shadows and a lead role in the series Davey & Jonesie’s Locker, proves she’s more than a digital star. Her addition continues a long tradition of Canadian talent on the show, following in the footsteps of legends like Mike Myers and Dan Aykroyd.

What to Expect from Season 51

SNL creator and producer Lorne Michaels hinted at a coming “shakeup” ahead of the season, and he has certainly delivered. While cast departures can be disappointing, they are a fundamental part of the show’s life cycle, providing an opportunity for reinvention and new voices.

The arrival of a cast full of stand-up comedians and internet-age creators signals a shift in the show’s comedic style. The show is betting on fresh perspectives and new comedic voices. As the new cast members, including Veronika Slowikowska, step into the spotlight, the biggest question is how they will translate their unique comedic sensibilities to the live stage of Studio 8H and carry the torch for a new generation of viewers. The new season, which premieres on October 4, promises to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable in years.