Several years ago the SNL cast had a complete overhaul, even bringing in new anchors for the Weekend Update. A position that usually goes to veteran cast members.
Now the cast is getting another shake up that includes letting two cast members go before their contracts are even up. Taran Killam, the Weekend Update anchor and Trump impersonator, says he’s not sure why he’s getting the boot. “I don’t know the other side of it. You sign for seven years, so I had one more year. I had sort of had it in my head I would make this upcoming year my last year, but then heard they weren’t going to pick up my contract,” he explained.
Jay Pharoah’s exit also hasn’t been explained, although he’s always seemed to have trouble getting traction. He was, however, hailed for his many impersonations, including Jay Z, Kanye and Obama.
No word on if two more cast members will come in or they’ll rely more heavily on feature players. SNL premieres October 3rd.
Taran Killam was never anchor on Weekend Update. You must be mistaking him for Colin Jost.