Former Saturday Night Live standout Bobby Moynihan has offered candid advice to the show’s current and past cast members, advocating for “a good therapist and good sleep” amidst the perennial turnover that defines the iconic sketch comedy series. His insights come as SNL embarks on its 51st season with significant changes, sparking discussions among fans and alums alike.
The world of Saturday Night Live is a dynamic one, constantly evolving with new talent stepping into the spotlight and seasoned performers moving on to new ventures. This inherent transience, while essential to the show’s longevity, can be profoundly impactful on its cast members. Recently, SNL alum Bobby Moynihan, who graced the stage from 2008 to 2017, weighed in on the recent cast shake-up, offering a dose of humorous realism and heartfelt advice.
During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Moynihan light-heartedly asked, “Wait, what happened?” before quickly acknowledging the routine nature of cast changes. He remarked, “No, it happens all the time. It happens all the time. It’s what that show is. It’s people coming in and coming out and living their lives and having a great time.” This perspective underscores the unique environment of SNL, which often serves as a high-pressure launchpad for comedic careers.
For those currently navigating the demanding schedule and intense scrutiny of the live sketch show, Moynihan had specific words of wisdom. “I wish them all luck, and I wish the ones who are there that they have a good therapist and good sleep,” he shared. This advice highlights the significant emotional and physical toll that being a part of SNL can take, a sentiment often echoed by alums reflecting on their time on the show.
Season 51’s Shifting Roster: Farewells and Fresh Faces
The lead-up to SNL‘s 51st season saw a notable roster adjustment. Five cast members departed the show:
- Heidi Gardner (after eight years)
- Ego Nwodim (after seven seasons)
- Michael Longfellow (after three seasons)
- Devon Walker (after three seasons)
- Emil Wakim (after just one year as a featured player)
Their departures prompted various reactions. Emil Wakim, for instance, described receiving the news as a “gut punch of a call” on Instagram, suggesting his exit wasn’t entirely his decision. Meanwhile, Devon Walker candidly shared on his Instagram that his three years with the show were sometimes “toxic as hell,” acknowledging the complexities of the experience while still appreciating the “f***ed up lil family” they formed.
The show also welcomed five new featured players for Season 51:
- Ben Marshall (previously a writer and member of Please Don’t Destroy)
- Tommy Brennan
- Jeremy Culhane
- Kam Patterson
- Veronika Slowikowska
The Inherent Volatility of SNL Cast Decisions
The process of cast changes at SNL is often a source of anticipation and anxiety. According to Susan Morrison’s book, Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live, executive producer Lorne Michaels typically aims to notify cast and writers by July about their return. However, as The Hollywood Reporter detailed, this date frequently “slips by, with people not knowing their fates until Labor Day, a month before the season premiere.” This behind-the-scenes reality adds another layer of stress to an already demanding job.
Other alums have also shared their reactions to the changes. Former cast member Punkie Johnson (2020-2024) expressed her shock on Instagram, writing, “wtf is happening…thisislikethedeparted.” Current repertory player Chloe Fineman, who joined in 2019, told Extra in September that the departures were “pretty wild” and caused “a little heartbreak, sadness.” However, she acknowledged the show’s high turnover rate while expressing excitement for the new cast members, illustrating the mixed emotions that often accompany these transitions.
Moynihan’s Legacy: The “Fever Dream” of David S. Pumpkins
Beyond offering sage advice, Moynihan also reminisced about his own SNL legacy, specifically the creation of the now-iconic David S. Pumpkins Halloween sketch. Co-written with Mikey Day and Streeter Seidell, the sketch starred Tom Hanks as the baffling, pumpkin-suited character, becoming an instant Halloween classic.
“It was Halloween that week, and Tom Hanks was there, and we literally said, ‘What can we write that’ll get in the Halloween special every year?'” Moynihan explained. The idea evolved from playful banter about the lack of a “Santa for Halloween,” eventually leading to the bizarre yet brilliant concept of a man named David Pumpkins.
Moynihan recalled the late-night writing session as a “fever dream.” Initially, Tom Hanks “hated it and asked us to give it to somebody else,” Moynihan revealed. However, the writers stood firm. “And then in between dress rehearsal and air, Tom Hanks went like, ‘I’m just going to be weird.’ And we were like, ‘Yeah, great.’ And he lost his mind on air and did something super weird and silly and it worked. We got lucky.” This behind-the-scenes anecdote offers a glimpse into the unpredictable magic of SNL and how some of its most memorable sketches come to life.
What’s Next for Bobby Moynihan: Entering the Bat-Fam
Looking ahead, Moynihan is set to lend his voice to a new animated project. He will portray Man-Bat in the Prime Video Batman animated series, Bat-Fam. The series boasts an impressive cast, including Luke Wilson as Batman, James Cromwell as Alfred, Yonas Kibreab as Damian Wayne, and Haley Tju as Claire.
Moynihan expressed his excitement for the upcoming show, which premieres on Prime Video on November 10. “It’s the best,” he said of the series. “The whole cast is amazing. The art style is one of my favorite animated things I’ve ever seen. I love playing Man-Bat, and I think Batman fans are going to dig it, which is fantastic.” His enthusiasm for this new role demonstrates the continued versatility of SNL alums in the entertainment industry.
