Ego Nwodim leaves ‘SNL’ after seven seasons, seeking new opportunities while urging more representation for Black women in the cast.
Ego Nwodim is stepping away from Saturday Night Live after seven seasons, announcing the decision as a personal and professional turning point that will allow her to pursue new creative avenues.
In a recent appearance on The Sherri Shepherd Show, the comedian explained that her exit felt like the natural next step after a long run on live television.
“It’s like being in a marriage,” Nwodim joked, referring to the oft-heard idea of a “seven-year itch.” She told host Sherri Shepherd that while she isn’t “commitment-phobe,” the itch to “date other people” and “see some other privates” — her playful phrasing — helped crystalize her choice to leave the long-running NBC sketch show.
Nwodim emphasized that the decision was made with gratitude. “I truly did learn so much there and I had so much fun,” she said, noting how much she valued her castmates, writers and crew.
In an Instagram post announcing the departure ahead of the show’s 51st season, she thanked SNL creator Lorne Michaels and promised to carry the memories and lessons from the show forward.
Beyond personal growth, representation was top of mind for Nwodim. The performer said she felt “honored to be the seventh Black woman in the cast” and expressed hope that the show will continue to cultivate and add more Black women to its ensemble.
She pointed to the importance of portraying a broad range of characters and said she took seriously her opportunity to “represent” and bring nuance to roles that might otherwise be overlooked.
Even as she departs the SNL stage, Nwodim’s schedule remains full. She continues to host the podcast Thanks Dad, where she recently reunited with former colleague Heidi Gardner as a guest.
Nwodim is also slated to perform stand-up at Lincoln Center Theater’s Claire Tow Theater later this November as part of the venue’s comedy series.
Additionally, industry reports indicate she will join the cast of the Hulu series Not Suitable for Work, a move that signals a shift toward more acting and scripted opportunities.
Nwodim’s exit closes a significant chapter at SNL but opens another for a performer who has repeatedly shown range across sketch, stand-up and hosting.
As she moves on, she leaves behind a legacy of memorable characters and a public appeal for broader representation in late-night comedy.
