SNL Farewell: Heidi Gardner Exits After 8 Years on NBC Comedy
As SNL gears up for its 51st season this fall, the comedy institution is saying goodbye to one of its most beloved figures: Heidi Gardner. After eight seasons with the show, the versatile comedian is stepping down, marking one of the most poignant exits in recent years. Her departure signals not only the end of an era for the cast but also a major shift as the show enters a new chapter following its milestone 50th season.
From Featured Player to Fan Favorite
Gardner joined SNL in 2017 as a featured player and was promoted to repertory status by 2019. Over her tenure, she became known for her fearless portrayals of eccentric and unhinged characters—everything from impersonations of Kim Kardashian and Jill Biden to recurring roles like Bailey Gismert, Brie Bacardi, and Baskin Johns. Fans also adored standout sketches like “Beavis and Butt-Head,” where she famously broke character in a viral moment.
Why She’s Leaving
In a candid February 2025 interview with People, Gardner spoke openly about her evolving feelings toward the relentless sketch routine:
“At this point, after doing Groundlings and SNL for so long, I’m like, ‘I’ve written a lot of sketches,'” she said. “You just get scared and it does happen some weeks where I’m like ‘I do not have an idea for a sketch, a game, or a character.’ Luckily we have amazing writers at the show that will be like, ‘But I have an idea for you.’ That’s the only thing that has gotten a little tough.”
She also revealed her aspirations beyond SNL, sharing: “I’d love to have a show that I co-star in and co-write, and it’s a character and it’s a world … I get to live in for a while and explore more.”
A Broader Cast Shake-Up
Gardner’s departure is part of a wider cast transformation ahead of Season 51. Long-time collaborators Michael Longfellow and Devon Walker, as well as Emil Wakim—who joined more recently—are also leaving. Writers Celeste Yim and Rosebud Baker are stepping away, too. Executive producer Lorne Michaels has hinted that following the milestone 50th season, the show is primed for a creative refresh.
What’s Next for SNL
Despite the cast exits, SNL will return for Season 51 on October 4, 2025, airing live on NBC and streaming on Peacock. James Austin Johnson is confirmed to return, though much of the new lineup is still under wraps. Fans are eager to see how the show honors Gardner’s legacy—and who will step up to fill her irreplaceable comedic space.
Gardner’s Legacy
Heidi Gardner leaves SNL as one of its most unforgettable performers of the last decade. Her commitment to quirky, emotionally rich characters and her ability to blend absurdity with earnestness have made her a standout. Though she’ll be sorely missed, there’s excitement and anticipation for the new creative paths she hinted at in her interview.
