Chloe Fineman is leaving "Saturday Night Live" after seven seasons, with a new role in David E. Kelley's upcoming Netflix drama "Myron Bolitar" reportedly being the catalyst for her decision. The departure was described as happening very quickly, with the offer for the new series arriving just hours before Fineman made her final decision.
An industry insider told Page Six that the move was "the best move" for Fineman, noting that "she knew she couldn’t say no." The timing also coincided with the emergence of new talent within the "SNL" cast. Ashley Padilla, who has been a featured player for two years, is expected to be upped to a full cast member when the show returns in the fall.
Fineman, 38, announced her exit this week, stating on Instagram, "It’s really hard to leave SNL but it does feel like the right time. I’m going to miss it a lot. But the people who work there are my family and that place is my home, and I know I’ll never be too far away."
Padilla, 33, emerged as a breakout star this past season, appearing in 92 sketches. Her sketch "Parent Teacher Conference" from the season 51 opener, featuring guest host Bad Bunny, garnered 9.6 million views on YouTube alone, making it the season's second most-watched video. Fineman appeared in 81 sketches during the 2025-2026 season, while Veronika Slowikowska was in 50, and featured player Kam Patterson was in the fewest with 48.
James Miller, author of the "SNL" oral history "Live From New York," commented on Fineman's decision, suggesting it was a "time-honored calculation that’s a big part of the ‘SNL’ experience: weighing future opportunities against affection — and sometimes burnout — for the show." He added that Fineman's versatility was a significant asset to the program.
Fineman's exit follows that of other popular cast members such as Bowen Yang, Heidi Gardner, and Ego Nwodim, who departed a year prior. Nwodim previously described the "SNL" environment as challenging due to long days and high pressure, noting that while it can foster quick bonds, it can also create distance and competition among cast members. She also mentioned that it can be difficult to feel a sense of collective success, making the show "not the easiest place to work."