Saturday Night Live is facing one of its biggest cast turnovers in years, with long-time cast member Heidi Gardner confirmed to be leaving the NBC sketch comedy show after eight seasons.
Heidi Gardner’s Journey on SNL
Gardner first joined SNL in the 2017–18 season as a featured player before being promoted to the main cast two years later. Over the years, she became a fan favorite for her versatility and sharp comedic timing.
She created memorable recurring characters, including:
- Angel – “Every Boxer’s Girlfriend in Every Boxing Movie” on Weekend Update.
- Bailey Gismert – a hilariously awkward teenage movie critic.
- Bobbi Moore – a parody newswoman who appeared in several sketches.
Her most viral moment came during 2024’s infamous “Beavis and Butt-Head” sketch, where Gardner broke character while Ryan Gosling and Mikey Day appeared in full MTV-inspired costumes.
Beyond original characters, she portrayed Kim Kardashian, Jill Biden, Kristi Noem, and Taylor Swift, showing her range as an impressionist.
Part of a Larger Cast Exodus
Gardner is the fourth cast member to depart the show in just three days, following Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, and Michael Longfellow.
This makes her exit especially significant, as she had been the longest-tenured female cast member in the current lineup. That title now passes to Ego Nwodim.
The departures echo 2022’s massive shake-up, when eight cast members left between seasons 47 and 48. With season 51 premiering on October 4, 2025, executive producer Lorne Michaels hinted last week that more changes were likely.
Gardner’s Career Beyond SNL
Outside of Studio 8H, Gardner has built a growing résumé:
- Recurring role on Apple TV+’s Shrinking.
- Guest spots on You, Superstore, and Girls5Eva.
- Commercial appearances for Homes.com, Starbucks, and Buffalo Wild Wings.
Her departure signals a new chapter, with many speculating that she will continue blending comedy and dramatic work across television and film.
What This Means for SNL Season 51
With four confirmed exits and possibly more ahead, the upcoming season of SNL is shaping up to be one of the most transformative in recent memory. While NBC has yet to announce replacements, the show’s tradition of introducing fresh comedic talent suggests that season 51 may debut several new faces.
Heidi Gardner’s exit closes a memorable era for SNL fans, but her legacy of offbeat characters and viral sketches will remain a staple of the show’s recent history.
What do you think about Heidi Gardner leaving SNL? Will the upcoming season feel the same without her? Share your thoughts in the comments and keep following TrendingNewsBuzz.com for the latest TV and entertainment updates.
