Devon Walker, the sharp-witted comedian known for his offbeat charm and incisive sketches, has officially exited Saturday Night Live after three seasons. In a heartfelt and unfiltered Instagram post on August 25, 2025, Walker announced his departure with the caption, “me and baby broke up ❤️,” likening his time on the iconic NBC show to a “little marriage”—fleeting, intense, and ultimately transformative.
Walker joined SNL in 2022 as a featured player during Season 48 and was promoted to the repertory cast for Seasons 49 and 50. His exit marks the first confirmed cast departure ahead of Season 51, which is set to premiere on October 4, 2025.
In a note shared alongside his announcement, Walker reflected on the highs and lows of his tenure: “Sometimes it was really cool. Sometimes it was toxic as hell. But we made the most of what it was, even amidst all of the dysfunction”. He expressed deep gratitude for collaborators Gary and Alex, celebrating their journey from bar shows to 30 Rock as a “beautiful thing”.
Walker’s departure comes amid a broader shake-up at SNL, with longtime producer Lorne Michaels signaling a need to “reinvent” the show following its landmark 50th season. Writers Celeste Yim and Rosebud Baker also announced their exits, citing the grueling nature of the job and the emotional toll of live television.
Looking ahead, Walker revealed plans to travel to Japan and pursue dramatic acting roles—ideally in a prestige drama alongside Julianne Moore. His candid farewell, equal parts humorous and introspective, underscores the evolving landscape of comedy and the personal toll of high-pressure creative environments.
As SNL prepares to usher in new voices and perspectives, Walker’s departure serves as both a closing chapter and a bold pivot toward reinvention—for the show and for the artist himself.
