Saturday Night Live star Chloe Troast speaks out about sudden exit: “Not my decision”

Chloe Troast speaks out after it was announced that she will not be returning Saturday Night Live for its 50th anniversary season.

In a TikTok video posted on September 10, the 27-year-old comedian gives a thumbs up and waves the text above the screen, revealing some of the background to her sudden exit. She was only on the cult show for one season, and according to Troast, she was as surprised by her exit as everyone else.

“Hi everyone! I wanted to let you know that I won’t be there SNL next season,” her statement said. “This was not my choice, I wish I was there and could be with my friends. It truly felt like a second home. Thank you everyone. I love you all 🫶.”

Fans responded in droves, with one commenting: “Absolutely insane. You had one of the strongest first seasons of any cast member in a decade. I look forward to whatever you do next!”

Another said, “I've been watching SNL for, I don't know, about 20 years and I've never seen so many people so upset about a cast member not getting another season and I think that's a sign.

Actress and comedian Sabrina Brier also commented: “CHLOE NATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🔥”

Troast had previously made a statement on Instagram the same day, sharing it in front of a black screen with the caption “🫶.”

“Hey, I actually wanted to wait with the post, but Deadline beat me to it,” said the article, which referred to the announcement of the cast for season 50. “Unfortunately, I was not asked to return SNL this season. I wish I could go back to all the great friends I met there. It really felt like home. But that wasn't on the agenda.”

“I want to thank everyone who supported me,” it continues. “Especially everyone who came to my tour this summer, dressed up as characters and had such wonderful things to say. You mean everything to me. I hope I was able to spread joy and laughter, love.”

“Further and higher 🫶.”

Under the post, former colleagues sent their best wishes for Troast.

Marcello Hernandez made a joke about one of her popular sketches and wrote: “Chloe, the orphan with the incredible voice.”

Chloe Fineman, who joined the main case in season 47, left a sweet message that read, “Bigger and better things. I love you so much and you have been a big, big light this year. Chloe, always reigning supreme ❤️❤️.”

In a follow-up post to her Instagram stories, Troast wrote: “Thank you all for the incredible and overwhelming response. I never could have imagined any of this. I am so grateful to all of you.”

“BTW: It will be fun again soon, in the meantime here's a picture of a giant bagel 💛,” she added, referring to the bagel picture behind her caption.

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Punkie Johnson and Molly Kearney have both previously confirmed their exit from the series, with Johnson stating that there was “no bad blood” and Kearney thanking fans for “two fantastic seasons”.

With their departures come new additions such as Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim and Jane Wickline, and there are promotions for returning cast members Hernandez, Michael Longfellow and Devon Walker, who join the main cast after two years as supporting actors.

Saturday Night Live Premieres Saturday, September 28 at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.