Chloe Fineman departs Saturday Night Live after seven seasons for Netflix drama role
Comedian Chloe Fineman left Saturday Night Live after seven years, citing a new role on a Netflix series and increased competition from emerging cast members.
Chloe Fineman, 37, announced her departure from NBC's Saturday Night Live after seven seasons, saying the timing felt right as she accepted a role in David E. Kelley’s upcoming Netflix drama "Myron Bolitar." Industry sources said the decision unfolded quickly and was seen as a strategic move given the influx of newer talent on the show.
The cast is expected to see changes this fall, with featured player Ashley Padilla, 33, likely promoted to a full cast member after a breakout season that included 92 sketches and a viral opening sketch with guest host Bad Bunny. Veteran cast member Veronika Slowikowska appeared in 50 sketches this season, while newcomer Kam Patterson logged 48.
"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," Fineman wrote on Instagram.
"Chloe made the time-honored calculation that’s a big part of the ‘SNL’ experience: weighing future opportunities against affection — and sometimes burnout — for the show," wrote James Miller, author of the show’s oral history. "Her versatility was a big boon, and the audience trusted her ability to make them laugh."
Fineman’s exit follows last year’s departures of Bowen Yang, Heidi Gardner and Ego Nwodim, amid comments from cast members about the demanding, competitive environment of the live-sketch format.