Kenan Thompson, the iconic comedian best known for his role on Saturday Night Live (SNL), has declared his intention to remain on the show for the foreseeable future. As the show’s longest-serving cast member, Thompson has made his mark during his impressive 22-season run.
In a candid interview with Entertainment Weekly on April 4, 2025, he expressed,
“It would be cool if I never left the show. That’d be crazy,”
Thompson, who joined SNL in 2003 at the young age of 25, now finds himself reflecting on his milestone achievements. He has surpassed the previous record previously held by Darrell Hammond, who was part of the cast for 14 seasons.
Kenan Thompson’s Evolving Vision for His Future on SNL
Initially, reaching 20 seasons was Thompson’s major objective. However, during the recent interview, he noted that he’s now open to the idea of continuing beyond that:
“Once I started getting into 17, I was like, well, if I can, I would love to stick around till 20. And now here we are at 22, so I don’t know.”
He suggested that hitting 30 seasons would merely be “just another number,” yet the idea of being a “forever cast member” is appealing to him. His joy for the craft remains undiminished.
Thompson has referred to SNL as “hands down” the premier job in all of television. In a prior conversation with People, he elaborated:
“It’s a one-of-a-kind place. It’s the people in front and behind that embrace it and need it. So when they call me, what, am I not supposed to oblige the greatest job in the world? So it’s just out of love,”
His longevity and dedication have garnered him five Emmy nominations, highlighting the exceptional quality of his work, including recognition for the memorable sketch “Come Back, Barack.”
Thompson Reflects on His Early Days and Growth
Despite his remarkable success, Thompson has acknowledged that navigating his early days on SNL was challenging. In the People interview, he shared his feelings of being overwhelmed due to his inexperience with stand-up comedy:
“It was very surreal and very stressful because I had to do stand-up without being a stand-up,”
However, he quickly adapted, emphasizing that his acting skills suited the show and allowed him to thrive.
Thompson’s outlook on his career at SNL continues to mature over time. He remarked during the April 2025 interview:
“I guess the only other milestone would be just to be the forever cast member… Just never leave the show.”
He reflected on the uniqueness of reaching the 20-season landmark in a field where longevity is rare. Thompson noted that while others may have made it through their teens, he stands alone as the first to achieve this monumental feat.
Even now, Thompson remains a consistent presence in sketches and takes part in milestone specials, playing a vital role in the show’s enduring legacy. His ongoing commitment suggests that both he and producer Lorne Michaels are ready to continue their partnership as long as possible, potentially “riding until the wheels fall off.”
Saturday Night Live broadcasts weekly every Saturday at 11:30 PM EST on NBC and Peacock, showcasing the humor and creativity that have made it a staple of American television for decades.