Ego Nwodim and Devon Walker, two standout stars from ‘Saturday Night Live,’ are reuniting for Prime Video’s ‘Barbershop’ series, their first major project since departing the long-running sketch show. The move signals a fresh start for both comedians, who left ‘SNL’ under different circumstances but are now poised to bring their unique talents to a new platform.
The ‘SNL’ Alumni Take on New Roles
Ego Nwodim and Devon Walker, who both exited ‘Saturday Night Live’ ahead of its 51st season, are set to guest star in Prime Video’s upcoming ‘Barbershop’ series. Nwodim will play Shelly-Ann, while Walker will portray Southside Swole, joining a star-studded cast that includes Jermaine Fowler, Brett Gray, and ‘SNL’ alum Punkie Johnson.
The ‘Barbershop’ series is a reboot of the beloved film franchise, bringing the iconic barbershop setting to the small screen with a mix of humor and heart. The show’s ensemble also features Roy Wood Jr., E.J. Bonilla, Bokeem Woodbine, Bresha Webb, Langston Kerman, and Tiana Okoye, alongside guest stars like Tituss Burgess, Belmont Cameli, Comedian CP, Zack Fox, Diallo Riddle, and Ziwe.
Nwodim’s ‘SNL’ Legacy and Post-Exit Projects
Ego Nwodim joined ‘SNL’ in 2018 as a featured player and quickly became a fan favorite, earning a promotion to repertory status in 2020. Over seven seasons, she showcased her versatility in sketches and impressions, leaving a lasting impact on the show. In September 2025, Nwodim announced her departure, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and the relationships she built.
Since leaving ‘SNL,’ Nwodim has stayed busy. She performed at the Lincoln Center in New York City as part of ‘The Comedy Series’ and launched the second season of her podcast, ‘Thanks Dad.’ The podcast has also served as a platform for reunions, including an emotional episode with former ‘SNL’ castmate Heidi Gardner, who also exited the show ahead of season 51.
Walker’s Candid Reflections on ‘SNL’
Devon Walker joined ‘SNL’ in 2022 as a featured player and was promoted to repertory status in 2024. His departure from the show was marked by candid reflections on the challenges of working on ‘SNL.’ In an interview with Variety, Walker described the environment as “toxic as hell” at times, citing issues like uncertainty over job security during the summer months.
“There is a measure of humanity that the show could benefit from,” Walker told Variety. “What ends up happening over the summer is oftentimes people are left hanging with big life decisions — people trying to start families or buy homes — and there’s no word from the show about whether they have their job.”
Why This Reunion Matters
The ‘Barbershop’ series offers Nwodim and Walker a chance to showcase their comedic talents in a new format, away from the pressures of live sketch comedy. For fans of ‘SNL,’ this reunion is a reminder of the chemistry and creativity that defined their time on the show. It also highlights the resilience of comedians who navigate the highs and lows of one of television’s most demanding platforms.
As ‘Barbershop’ prepares to debut on Prime Video, audiences can expect a fresh take on the beloved franchise, infused with the energy and humor that Nwodim and Walker bring to every project. Their involvement is a testament to their growing influence in the comedy world and a sign of exciting things to come.
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