SNL ostensibly finalized its season 51 cast earlier this month, though Ego Nwodim announced her departure a few days later. Other departing cast members include Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow,

The news follows a string of recent cast departures as the storied program prepares for its 51st season. Devon Walker, Emil Wakim and Michael Longfellow have said they're leaving the show. Multiple news outlets reported that cast mainstay Heidi Gardner was also departing the show.

Gardner joined the show as a featured player in 2017 and became a main cast member in 2019, making her the longest-running woman in the current cast. Wakim joined the show last year as a featured player and called his exit a “gut punch.”

One alum has won an Oscar. Another has a Grammy. Several have acquired Emmys and Tonys — and they all have been featured players in only a single season of Lorne Michaels' long-running sketch comedy series.

Saturday Night Live has set its first three back-to-back shows for Season 51. The season kicks off on October 4 with Bad Bunny returning for his second turn as host, with Doja Cat in her musical guest debut.

Ego Nwodim is the latest to leave the Saturday Night Live cast. Nwodim made the announcement on Instagram, and rather than let fans guess what happened to cause her exit, she readily offered in her statement that it was her own decision.