Chloe Troast took to Instagram today to reveal that her first season on Saturday Night Live would be her last.
The 27-year-old comic received praise for both her memorable characters and her singing voice during her freshman stint on NBC‘s iconic sketch show.
But Troast stunned her followers today by announcing that she was “not asked back” to SNL for its upcoming 50th season.
“Unfortunately I was not asked back to ‘SNL’ this season,” Troast wrote.
“I wish I was going back to be with all the amazing friends I made there, it truly felt like home. But it wasn’t in the cards.”
Troast went on to thank “everyone who supported me,” adding, “I hope I was able to spread joy and laughter, all love. Onwards and upwards.”
Troast’s announcement follows on the heels of news that Punkie Johnson and Molly Kearney also will not be returning to the cast.
Obviously, off-season casting shakeups are not unusual at SNL.
But the latest crop of personnel decisions is especially perplexing, especially coming, as it does, ahead of the show’s most high-stakes season in years.
Not only is SNL celebrating its half-century birthday, we’re also heading into a presidential election year whose quartet of candidates represents a treasure trove of comedic potential.
On top of that — Saturday Night, a film based on the drama that unfolded backstage during the show’s first episode — is soon to hit theaters.
It’s fitting that the series’ 1975 debut is back in the news, as that might be the last time that anyone paid this much attention to late night’s lumbering dinosaur.
And the decision to cut ties with Troast, Johnson, and Kearney is especially baffling amid today’s announcement that SNL is adding three new cast members.
Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, and Jane Wickline have all been announced as featured players for the show’s 50th season.
Meanwhile, Marcello Hernandez, Michael Longfellow, and Devon Walker have all been promoted to the main cast.
Few cast members generated as much positive buzz or as many viral moments last year as Troast, and Johnson has been with the show since 2020.
So these relatively last-minute shakeups have left fans wondering if higher-ups are concerned about SNL’s ability to rise to the occasion of its milestone anniversary.
What do you think, TV fanatics? Is there reason to be concerned about the state of Saturday Night Live?
Hit the comments section below to share your thoughts.