Chloe Fineman is leaving Saturday Night Live after seven seasons, marking the end of an era for the popular comedian on the long-running sketch series. Fineman announced her departure via Instagram, expressing gratitude for her time on the show and signaling a move towards new projects.
"After 7 wonderful seasons at SNL I have decided it’s time for my next chapter," Fineman wrote to her 1.3 million followers. "It’s cliche to say this but working at SNL has been the greatest privilege of my life. I still can’t really believe I got to be a part of it. I fell in love with the place the second I walked through the door."
Fineman, 38, shared that castmates have reached out with well wishes following her announcement. She specifically mentioned a touching birthday call from co-star Colin Jost, 44, which moved her to tears. "Everyone's, like, really reaching out. It's the sweetest show," she told The Hollywood Reporter. "It's a hard show, but the people – it’s because of [the demanding] hours and everything. But it really is a family, and I've been crying like, sweet tears."
Fineman reflected on the demanding nature of SNL, recalling the rapid pace of creative work, such as "Sewing a jojo Siwa costume in 10 hours. Writing a cold open at 2pm on a Saturday. Finishing the VFX of a video minutes before dress." She praised her colleagues, stating, "Every day I was lucky enough to be surrounded by the best people in the business, and I was constantly amazed watching them work."
Her decision to leave coincides with a new acting opportunity. Fineman is set to star in the upcoming Netflix drama "Myron Molitar," developed by David E. Kelley, which she will begin filming this week. "Seven years is kind of like the classic way [at SNL], and then right as my contract was up, this amazing David E. Kelley opportunity came in, like completely out of the blue," she explained. "I did a little chemistry read and it was off to the races; it just felt like a perfect time."
Fineman also looks forward to experiencing SNL from a new perspective. "And like who better than David E. Kelley? And I’m really excited to watch SNL as an audience member [in person], which I’ve never done," the comedian noted. She is also set to appear alongside Jake Johnson in the sports comedy film "The Dink," premiering on Apple TV+ on July 24.
Fineman, who joined SNL in 2019, will be staying in New York, leaving the door open for potential future interactions with the show. "I'm really proud of everything, but it's hard. I'm genuinely really good friends with everybody, and I genuinely couldn't love that job more. So it's really bittersweet, but I'm [still] gonna be in New York. I'm down the street. Maybe you'll see me."