No Black Woman on ‘SNL’ Cast After Nwodim’s Sudden Exit.

Nwodim’s departure came as a surprise after SNL had included her in its official cast lineup.

Ego Nwodim’s sudden exit from “Saturday Night Live” leaves the show uncertain about Black woman representation in its cast.

Nwodim revealed on Sept. 12 that she’s leaving the show, wrapping up a run that began in 2018 and spanned seven seasons.

“The toughest part of a great party is knowing when it’s time to leave,” the comedian shared on Instagram. “After seven amazing seasons, I’ve decided to step away from SNL. I’m beyond grateful to Lorne, my castmates, the writers, and crew for their brilliance, support, and friendship. Performing week after week taught me more than I ever imagined, and I’ll carry those memories and laughter with me forever.”

The announcement followed SNL’s cast confirmation, which had originally listed Nwodim among its returning members. But at 37, she ultimately chose to move on.

Fans and fellow castmates celebrated her impressive run, calling her “one of the best to ever do it.” SNL alum Cecily Strong shared, “It was an honor and total joy to work with you. One of the best to ever do it.” Current cast member Chloe Fineman echoed the praise, writing, “One of the best to ever do it, my friend. GOAT.”

Fellow Black woman comedian Amber Ruffin also cheered Nwodim on as she takes the next step in her career, writing, “Congratulations. As long as I can still watch you perform, I’m good!”

SNL is set to premiere its 51st season on Oct. 4, but unless a last-minute addition is made, the lineup will move forward without a Black woman cast member. The absence underscores a long-standing issue: in 50 years and across 172 regular cast members, only eight have been Black women.

The show has often faced criticism for its treatment of Black women. Yvonne Hudson, the first, was credited only as an extra. Maya Rudolph (2000–2007) and Leslie Jones (2014–2019) became standout stars, while more recent additions like Ego Nwodim and Punkie Johnson—SNL’s first openly queer Black cast member—helped push representation forward. But with Johnson’s exit in 2024 and Nwodim’s departure now, SNL once again finds itself without Black women on its roster, reigniting conversations about its history of overlooking this vital representation in comedy.