“Being a part of ‘SNL’ has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” “I walked into 30 Rock five years ago knowing that this was an incredible potential for growth,” Redd said in a statement.
Chris Redd is the latest seasoned cast member to leave “Saturday Night Live.”After five seasons on NBC’s venerable late-night show, Redd has opted to leave, becoming the latest member of what has been one of the program’s largest casts in recent memory to go ahead of its 48th season. Lorne Michaels, the show’s longstanding executive producer, predicted a season of upheaval earlier this year and recently urged that the current cast of characters stick together to help each other survive the pandemic.
“Being a part of ‘SNL’ has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” “I walked into 30 Rock five years ago knowing that this was an incredible potential for growth,” Redd said in a statement. “I’m grateful to Lorne Michaels and the entire “SNL” organization now, with friends who have become family and memories I will cherish forever.” I can’t thank you all enough from the bottom of my heart. “
During his time on the show, Redd garnered fame for his impersonation of New York Mayor Eric Adams and appeared in a slew of filmed videos and sketches. He also received an Emmy nomination for his contributions to the song “Come Back Barack,” which lamented the departure of former President Barack Obama. In 2017, Redd debuted as a featured player in the series.
“Chris Redd: Why Am I Like This?” is an HBO Max comedy special in the works that will air later this year. Redd co-created and will voice the lead in an untitled project from Michaels’ Broadway Video and Audible. In addition, he has been cast in the feature picture “Cyber Monday,” which is now in development at Universal.
Every summer hiatus brings with it changes to the “SNL” talent roster, but these past few months have marked an unusual period of activity for the show. The departures of Alex Moffat, Melissa Villaseñor, and Aristotle Athari occurred earlier this month, following the departures of Kate McKinnon, Aidy Bryant, Kyle Mooney, and Pete Davidson in May.
Backstage, there has also been a noteworthy departure. Lindsay Shookus, the show’s senior producer, is leaving after years of handling talent relations. “SNL” has taken on new significance for NBC as more TV viewers switch to streaming platforms to watch their favorite scripted dramas and comedies on demand. “SNL” was originally relegated to airing after the local news in a time slot network officials didn’t believe was important, but it now runs live across the United States all at once, which means it airs in primetime in some parts of the country. In the 2020-2021 season, “Saturday Night Live” was the most-watched entertainment program on TV among viewers aged 18 to 49, the demographic most desired by advertisers.
The cast changes are likely to leave a few current members with extra duties each week. Heidi Gardner, Chloe Fineman, Ego Nwodim, Mikey Day, and Bowen Yang are among those who have had consistent screen time in recent seasons. NBC has yet to formally confirm the status of stalwarts such as Colin Jost, Michel Che, Kenan Thompson, and Cecily Strong for the upcoming season. “SNL” has already announced the addition of four new featured players ahead of the show’s season premiere in October.
The high number of departures recalls the 2012 transition of “Saturday Night Live,” when Andy Samberg, Abby Elliott, and Kristen Wiig left at the end of the season, followed a few months later by Jason Sudeikis, and a year later by Fred Armisen and Bill Hader. The show’s remaining cast and several newcomers have to work together to become more coherent.