NBC’s Saturday Night Live is shaking up its cast for Season 51, and one of the most exciting additions is rising stand-up comedian Kam Patterson, who joins the iconic sketch show alongside five other newcomers. The announcement comes amid a wave of cast departures following the show’s landmark 50th season, signaling a fresh chapter for the long-running comedy institution.
Kam Patterson, 26, hails from Orlando, Florida, where he built a reputation on the local comedy circuit before gaining national attention as a regular on the live podcast Kill Tony. Known for his quick wit, laid-back delivery, and sharp observational humor, Patterson has been steadily climbing the comedy ranks. He recently landed a role in the upcoming Netflix comedy 72 Hours, starring Kevin Hart, and is set to appear in the indie film Busboys.
Patterson’s journey from open mics at Night Shade Lounge to the SNL stage is a testament to his hustle and raw talent. His debut on Saturday Night Live is scheduled for the season premiere on October 4, 2025, at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
Joining Patterson are five other featured players:
- Ben Marshall – Elevated from the Please Don’t Destroy writing trio, known for viral digital shorts
- Veronika Slowikowska – A Canadian comedian with credits on What We Do in the Shadows and Tires
- Tommy Brennan – A stand-up comic named a “New Face of Comedy” at Just for Laughs in 2023
- Jeremy Culhane – A sketch performer and viral content creator from Dropout TV and Upright Citizens Brigade
This new lineup arrives as longtime cast members Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, and Emil Wakim exit the show, along with writers Celeste Yim and Rosebud Baker.
With executive producer Lorne Michaels teasing major changes ahead of Season 51, the addition of Patterson and his fellow castmates signals a generational shift. The new cast brings a mix of digital savvy, stand-up grit, and sketch comedy chops—setting the stage for a season that could redefine the show’s voice for a younger audience.
