SNL Shocker: Leslie Jones Is Leaving, Kate McKinnon Is Staying
Click here to read the full article.
Studio 8H has been rocked by a bait and twist: A major cast member is exiting Saturday Night Live, but it’s not Kate McKinnon. TVLine has learned that fellow cast member Leslie Jones will not be returning for show’s upcoming 45th season. Meanwhile, McKinnon — whose SNL pact expired in May — has extended her contract for (at least) another year, sources confirm.
An NBC rep declined to comment, but an insider tells TVLine that Jones chose to depart to focus on other opportunities (like her forthcoming Netflix standup special).
More from TVLine
Good Place Season 4 Photos: Eleanor's All Business... But Where's Chidi?
SVU Boss Hopeful Chris Meloni Will Return at End: 'I Think Whatever Tension There Was Has Abated'
America's Got Talent Reveals the 21 Acts Going to the Season 14 Semifinals
SNL is set to kick off Season 45 on Sept. 28 with Woody Harrelson and Billie Ellish serving as host musical guest, respectively.
An SNL staple since 2014, Jones has twice been nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series at the Primetime Emmy Awards (in 2017 and 2018). She’s an Emmy nominee again this year for co-writing the lyrics to “Upper East Side,” a song featured in SNL‘s 44th season.
Jones’ additional TV acting credits include roles on ABC’s Kevin (Probably) Saves the World, NBC’s The Blacklist, Hulu’s The Awesomes, Comedy Central’s Workaholics, and FX’s The League. Jones also hosted the 2017 BET Awards, and contributed to NBC Sports’ coverage of the 2016 and 2018 Olympic Games in Rio and Pyeongchang, respectively.
Launch Gallery: TV's Big Cast Changes (2019-2020)
Sign up for TVLine's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.