‘Saturday Night Live’ News: Is Michael Che Leaving?

Saturday Night Live cast member Michael Che shared an update about his exit. He made a household name for himself by appearing on the popular comedy series. Che first joined SNL in 2013 as both a writer and cast member. However, he’s hinted that he could leave the show forever.

Che first signed on with the NBC series as a ghostwriter. He eventually became a staff writer and cast member. He received the promotion in September 2014 when he took over the “Weekend Update” hosting duties from Cecily Strong. Che received a lot of praise from Saturday Night Live viewers for his wit and humor, and his timely approach to the sketches.

Is Michael Che leaving Saturday Night Live?

Earlier this year, rumors swirled that Micheal Che was leaving Saturday Night Live. Fans were startled to learn that he might no longer be part of the cast. It all happened during his stint in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Che dropped hints about his departure during his stand-up act.

“This is my last year. You know my tie is a clip-on, right?” Che said. “What man wears a clip-on tie to work for eight years — that’s embarrassing.”

However, he backtracked and said that it was only a joke and he’s not really leaving the series. Che caught wind of the rumors and quickly took to Instagram to quash them. He was not happy when fans took his joke and turned it into a tabloid report.

“To comedy fans: please stop telling reporters everything you hear at a comedy show,” Michael Che sternly wrote in his post. “You’re spoiling the trick.”

On Friday, May 13, 2022, he had a sit-down interview with The New  York Times. During the discussion, the comedian admitted that he’s considered leaving Saturday Night Live many times. In that same breath, he also hinted at a possible departure, but he did not confirm that it was happening anytime soon.

“My head has been at leaving for the past five seasons,” Che said before joking, “I do think that I’ve been here longer than I’ll be here. This show is built for younger voices and, at some point, there’ll be something more exciting to watch at the halfway mark of the show than me and dumb [Colin] Jost.”

What does executive producer Lorne Michaels think?

Saturday Night Live executive producer Lorne Michaels shared his thoughts on Che’s interview with The New York Times. He followed up with a statement to the publication. Michaels admits that he wants to keep Che around for as long as he can.

“If I had my way, he’ll be here. And I don’t always get my way,” Michaels said. “But when you have someone who is the real thing, you want to hold on as long as you can.”

Saturday Night Live is currently in its 47th season. It will conclude on Saturday, May 21. Do you think the rumors about Michael Che leaving are true? Sound of below in the comment section.

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