Now that changes supposedly happening ahead of season 51, such as cast and behind-the-scenes shakeups, it has sparked speculation about the future of most cast , including Kenan. Despite the uncertainty, it’s difficult to imagine SNL without Kenan, and it's even harder to believe there's a possibility he's on the chopping block.
Kenan ed SNL in 2003 and has been one of the repertory players in the cast since then. For an actor, being a cast member is a huge feat and different from the type of acting they usually do, but not Kenan. The 47-year-old originally starred in the popular Nickelodeon sketch comedy series All That from 1994-1999. SNL was a natural progression for him as he was used to working in this type of environment. The show really helped Kenan launch his career, so I can't see him exiting the series anytime soon.
Kenan Has Been On SNL The Longest
For the 2024-2025 cast, Kenan is the longest-running cast member by over a decade. Besides Kenan, Colin Jost and Michael Che are tied for the second longest, as they both ed in 2014 as the Weekend Update co-anchors. Several other current cast ed shortly after Colin and Michael, with a majority ing between 2020 and 2024. While being on the show for 22 years might indicate Kenan is ready to leave, I think his long tenure means he's dedicated to the series.
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SNL just closed out its historic 50th season, marking five decades' worth of the finest sketch comedy and live music performances in America.
Kenan's continued presence has provided the audience with a sense of comfortability through his years on SNL, becoming a vital part of the show's identity. Whether he's the star of a sketch or playing one of his many iconic characters, Kenan brings familiarity that elevates every episode he's on. His comedic timing and ability to connect with viewers and cast make him irreplaceable on SNL. As long as he continues to enjoy the work, I don't think there's any reason Kenan shouldn't stay on the show.
Kenan Is One Of The Funniest Cast On The Show
While most cast throughout the years have provided laughs for the SNL audience, Kenan is hands-down one of the funniest cast . From his iconic roles like Diondre Cole in What Up With That? and frequent impressions of Steve Harvey in Family Feud sketches to playing the host of Black Jeopardy as Darnell Hayes. Kenan is constantly creating memorable personas that viewers love to watch. Even in the weaker sketches he's been a part of, Kenan’s presence often makes them unforgettable.
Kenan is simply a likable character and a constant presence for fans of SNL. If Kenan were to leave, there would be a huge gap in the SNL cast. While a lot of the cast are quite funny, Kenan has brought me the most laughs since he's been on the show.
Kenan Has Remained On The Show Despite Cast Turnovers
Throughout its 50 years on TV, SNL has seen several cast changes. While fans may not have agreed with some of the changes (including myself), Kenan is one cast member who has remained on the show despite its many cast turnovers. Kenan recently spoke with Page Six regarding the possible changes in the cast. He said wrapping up season 50 was "bittersweet," and is prepared for any changes.
Especially this year where it feels like there’s maybe, possibly, a lot of change next year
As was mentioned earlier, Kenan has been a constant on the series for many years, and there's comfortability in that. Kenan and the SNL producers likely see this, and keeping him on allows the audience to have some stability going into each season.
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Overall, Kenan is a star on Saturday Night Live, and it would be heartbreaking to see him leave the sketch comedy series. He's become such a huge part of the show and its characters. Hopefully, Kenan isn't on the chopping block and remains a cast member for at least one more season.
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Source: Page Six
Saturday Night Live
- Release Date
- October 11, 1975
- Network
- NBC
- Showrunner
- Lorne Michaels
WHERE TO WATCH
- Directors
- Dave Wilson, Don Roy King, Liz Patrick, Andy Warhol, Linda Lee Cadwell, Matthew Meshekoff, Paul Miller, Robert Altman, Robert Smigel
- Writers
- Will Forte, Chris Parnell, Asa Taccone, John Lutz, Tom Schiller, Simon Rich, Michael Patrick O'Brien, Nicki Minaj, Herbert Sargent, Matt Piedmont, John Solomon, Chris Kelly, Alan Zweibel, Kent Sublette, Ari Katcher, Marika Sawyer, Sarah Schnedier, Scott Jung, Justin Franks, Jerrod Bettis, Rhiannon Bryan
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