Get used to Kenan Thompson on 'SNL': 'Why should I ever have to leave?'
One Saturday Night Live cast rumor can be put to rest.
"I keep saying I'm trying to get to 20 [seasons]," Kenan Thompson told Entertainment Weekly. "So if they don't throw me out of there before, I'm trying to get to 20. And then, I don't know if it makes sense for me to leave even after that point. As long as the show keeps going and they want me to be there and I don't feel like I'm in the way of somebody else's opportunity, should I just oblige? I don't really know what to do at this point, as far as leaving is concerned. Like, why should I ever have to leave?"
Thompson completed his all-time most 18th season as an SNL cast member in May, and the season 46 finale generated widespread speculation over which cast members may depart before the 47th season—particularly Aidy Bryant, Cecily Strong, Kate McKinnon and Pete Davidson.
Bryant, McKinnon and Strong were visibly emotional during the cold open, and then Strong reprised her Jeanine Pirro impersonation during "Weekend Update," which included Davidson seemingly signing off:
At the time, Page Six reported based upon insight from an anonymous NBC source that the finale "wasn't meant to be a final sign-off for anyone," as contracts for next season and beyond won't be decided until later this summer.
Davidson has vaguely addressed his SNL future on several occasions in the months since—even referencing Thompson during an actor's roundtable for the Hollywood Reporter in late May.
"I'm surprised I made it to seven [seasons]," the 27-year-old said. "I'm ready to hang up the jersey. Kenan’s like f—n' Karl Malone out there."
Strong, meanwhile, told Entertainment Tonight late last month that she'll "be thrilled if I go back, I'll be thrilled if that was my last show" and feels "good either way."
Saturday Night Live is up for 21 awards at the 73rd Primetime Emmys in September, included Thompson's nomination for supporting actor in a comedy series. The 43-year-old separately earned a nod for his eponymous NBC television series. See the full list here.
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