Saturday Night Live: Chris Redd is latest member to leave the show

There have been a lot of shake-ups in the world of Saturday Night Live lately. According to Deadline, it was revealed this past summer that cast members such as audience favorite Kate McKinnon, along with Aidy Bryant, Kyle Mooney, and Pete Davidson, are set to exit the show after the 47th season. And not too long ago, it was announced that three more cast members — Melissa Villaseñor, Alex Moffat, and Aristotle Athari had also decided not to return this season.

It has now been announced that comedian, Chris Redd, is now vacating his position in the cast. In a statement he made on Monday, Redd comments after his decision, 

Being a part of SNL has been the experience of a lifetime. Five years ago, I walked into 30 Rock, knowing that this was an amazing opportunity for growth. Now, with friends who have become family and memories I will cherish forever, I’m grateful to Lorne Michaels and to the entire SNL organization. From the bottom of my heart, I can’t thank you all enough.”

Chris Redd joined as a featured player on the sketch show during the 43rd season, but the comedic actor is now set on developing a feature film for Universal Pictures called Cyber Monday, as well as releasing a new stand-up special on HBO Max. He had also made appearances in films like Joker and Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping starring former SNL cast member Andy Samberg. As well as making appearances on TV shows like Kenan.

Recently, Kenan Thompson also had been speculating that the Saturday night institution could come to a close after the 50th season, as well as Lorne Michaels contemplating retirement. With this recent exodus now including Chris Redd, it would seem like that may come to fruition. Additionally, the show had long become a popular target of criticism questioning its relevancy as well as statements that it hasn’t been funny in decades. However, SNL had a complete cast overhaul in the 80s with great results when it was also criticized for not being funny. Time will tell with an ever-evolving class of performers.