What's Happening?
The era of 'Please Don’t Destroy' sketches on Saturday Night Live (SNL) is ending as John Higgins leaves the show. The trio, consisting of Ben Marshall, John Higgins, and Martin Herlihy, has been part of SNL's writing staff since 2021, creating a series of filmed sketches. NBC announced that Marshall will join the show's cast as a featured player for the upcoming 51st season, while Higgins departs to pursue other opportunities. Herlihy will remain as a writer. The trio plans to continue collaborating on projects outside of SNL, including co-writing features at different studios. Their departure marks a shift in the show's creative team, with several other writers and cast members also leaving ahead of the new season.
Why It's Important?
The conclusion of 'Please Don’t Destroy' sketches signifies a transition in SNL's creative direction, impacting the show's comedic style and content. The departure of key writers and cast members could lead to changes in the show's format and audience engagement. As SNL adapts to new talent, it may explore different comedic approaches to maintain its relevance and appeal. The trio's decision to pursue external projects highlights the evolving career paths of comedians and writers, reflecting broader industry trends where talent seeks diverse opportunities beyond traditional platforms. This development may influence SNL's future hiring and content strategies, as it aims to attract fresh voices and maintain its cultural significance.
What's Next?
With the new season premiering on October 4, SNL will introduce five new featured players, including Ben Marshall. The show's producers will likely focus on integrating new talent and developing fresh content to captivate audiences. The departure of established writers and cast members presents an opportunity for SNL to innovate and experiment with new comedic styles. As the trio continues to work on external projects, their influence may extend beyond SNL, potentially impacting the comedy landscape. Industry observers will be watching how SNL navigates these changes and how it affects the show's ratings and cultural impact.
