Ego Nwodim’s Sudden, Shocking ‘SNL’ Exit Leaves Black Internet Reeling

There’s been a serious shakeup over at “Saturday Night Live,” with a handful of the shows comedic actors now parting ways with the decades-long sketch show. The most recent person to do so is Ego Nwodim…and boy, is social media in their feelings about it. Don’t worry, we’ll explain.

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You see, over the last few weeks, several famous faces from the show have announced they were leaving the show including the longest-tenured female star Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker and others But Nwodim’s exit, which comes after seven incredible seasons, came as a shock to many given her consistent viral moments and comedic chops.

“The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight. But after seven unforgettable seasons, I have decided to leave “SNL,’” Nwodim began in a since-expired post to her Instagram stories. “I am immensely grateful to Lorne [Michaels] for the opportunity, to my castmates, the writers, and the crew for their brilliance, support, and friendship. Week after week on that stage taught me more than I could have ever imagined, and I will carry those memories (and that laughter) with me always. Now invite me to your weddings please!!!”

And while that seems like a lovely way to tie up her time there, by the time Nwodim’s exit hit the internet, many were taken aback as her departure meant that there would no longer be any Black women on the show.

Over the past 25 years, “SNL” has welcomed and said goodbye to a handful of Black woman comedians: Maya Rudolph (who stops by every now and then), Leslie Jones, Punkie Johnson, Sasheer Zamata were all brought on after 2000. But only eight Black women have ever been official cast members throughout the show’s 50-year run.

Nwodim has entirely too many memorable moments that make her exit seem truly puzzling. Like, who could forget “Lisa from Temecula,” her viral interruption of “The Weekend Update,” The “Dionne Warwick Talk Show” and a whole lot more. So it’s no wonder why many on social media ran to the apps to sing their praises of Nwodim, express their sadness, and highlight her amazing contributions to the show.

“Ego Nwodim will be so missed on Saturday Night Live. She is one of the most funniest cast members. This skit will always be famous,” said one user on X/Twitter.

“Ego Nwodim has been responsible for some of SNL’s funniest and most memorable moments in recent years. But she has so much talent, charm, and momentum that I’m sure she’ll soon be in greener pastures. Her departure is far more worrying for the show and the future of late night,” wrote another user.

“Ego Nwodim will go down as one of the best cast members ever. Was a core part of revitalizing SNL after their terrible reputation with black women and is literally a legend. This is a huge loss for them omg,” one other user noted.

Added another: “mind you ego was the last woman of color on the show, surrounded by women hating below mediocre ‘comedians who are not f*cking funny. i hope her career is bountiful and i hope it serves her endless peace and comfort, and F*ck Lorne Michaels.”