The emergence of news about the September 27 “Saturday Night Live” premiere should not have been treated as proof that the iconic NBC variety show was done shaking up its cast.
Last week, NBC announced that Michael Che would replace Cecily Strong on the “Weekend Update” panel. Strong will return to a full slate of sketch duties.
This week, sources have already confirmed two more changes to the show.
Deadline reported Monday that writer Mike O’Brien, who debuted as a featured player last season, will not possess that role this year. While he will not completely depart the show alongside cut featured players Brooks Wheelan, Noel Wells and John Milhiser and exiting repertory player Nasim Pedrad, he will depart the front of the “SNL” camera and return to the writers’ room.
Per NBC’s SNL Twitter account, Pete Davidson will meanwhile join the cast as a featured player.