Saturday Night Live Cast News [PHOTO & VIDEO]: Seth Meyers' 'Late Night' Job & Bill Hader's Exit Lead to Fred Armisen & Jason Sudeikis Leaving 'SNL'
After the news broke this week about cast member Bill Hader departing from the weekly comedy series "Saturday Night Live," many believed it was only time before other older cast members decided to call it quits as well. That said, Fred Armisen has decided to leave "SNL" and Jason Sudeikis is rumored to be following suit. So this week's episode hosted by Ben Affleck and featuring Kanye West as the musical guest will serve as a farewell show for the leaving cast. Last year Kristen Wiig and Andy Samberg left the series, so with this year's departures it looks like "SNL" is allowing the next generation to stake their claim on the popular show.
On top of Hader, Armisen, and (most likely) Sudeikis, Seth Meyers was just recently confirmed as Jimmy Fallon's replacement as host of NBC's "Late Night" starting in 2014. In a recent interview, Meyers stated, "I just am nowhere near emotionally ready for Saturday to be my last show."
Check out this video clip of Seth Meyers discussing his new "Late Night" gig and how he plans to stay on "SNL" until his new job starts:
With these three departing, that leaves Keenan Thompson as the seasoned cast member with over a decade of "SNL" experience under his belt. But maybe even Keenan will leave. If he sticks around, reports claim that he will replace Seth Meyers on as host of the "Weekend Update" segment.
Most importantly, this news brings up the exciting journey "Saturday Night Live" is about to embark on: a new generation. Looking back at the show, you can pick out specific generations by the comedians on the show and this upcoming one will be no exception.
The younger actors like Taran Killam, Kate McKinnon, Cecilly Strong, and Aidy Bryant have been proving themselves each week this season and it definitely leaves hope for the future of "SNL."
Here is an article from the NY Post that covers the 2013 and 2012 "SNL" departures.