Devon Walker, one of several performers exiting Saturday Night Live ahead of the upcoming season, said the long-running NBC sketch show could benefit from a "measure of humanity" after calling parts of the program "toxic as hell." Walker made the remarks in an interview with Variety, describing how the show's handling of cast renewals leaves people "hanging with big life decisions."
Walker, who spent two seasons as a featured player and another as a cast member, said the program often waits until shortly before rehearsals to inform performers whether they will be invited back. "The show won’t tell them all summer and then will ultimately end up firing them when there’s been months of them trying to work their situation out," he said, adding that most people are told they are returning "to work in a week." He said he did not personally experience that drawn-out uncertainty when departing.
Walker described his exit as a mutual decision and characterized it as "good news," saying it allows him to explore other opportunities. He acknowledged the competitive nature of television comedy, saying, "I understand it’s show business and it’s cutthroat," but argued that the industry’s pace does not excuse leaving people without timely information about their employment.
The comments come amid a period of turnover on the long-running late-night program, which has routinely refreshed its ensemble across seasons. Walker’s critique focused on the human consequences of the show's staffing practices, noting that performers often must make housing, financial and career choices over the summer without clarity about their jobs.
SNL has historically operated on seasonal contracts and has been known for abrupt personnel changes, but Walker’s comments underscore the personal and logistical strains that can accompany that model. He called for greater consideration of cast members' offstage lives and for the show to provide earlier notice when possible.
Walker’s remarks were part of a broader conversation about workplace culture in entertainment that has surfaced in recent years, as performers and crew have spoken publicly about conditions at a variety of productions. Walker did not attribute his concerns to a single incident, and he framed his departure as an opportunity rather than a grievance, noting he looks forward to new projects.
Representatives for Saturday Night Live did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Walker’s comments were first reported by HuffPost, which cited his interview with Variety.
As Walker and other cast members prepare to leave, the show’s producers will continue casting and planning for the coming season, a cycle that historically involves both promotions from the featured player ranks and external hires. Walker’s call for more timely communications reflects a tension between the program’s fast-moving production schedule and the offstage realities of those who contribute to it.