SNL Says Goodbye to Current Female Veteran Abby Elliot

This morning, Splitsider reported that third generation SNL-er Abby Elliot would not return to Saturday Night Live for her fifth season on the show. This comes amist recent speculation that Jason Sudeikis might not return and earlier speculation that key players such as Kristen Wiig and Andy Samberg (who have both now left the show officially) would leave the show, too. 

Elliot was the show’s youngest ever cast member when she joined the show at age 21 and was the third generation of her family to be a part of the show - her father, Chris Elliot, was a part of the show in the 90s and her great grandfather, Bob Elliot, co-starred on a Christmas episode of the show. 

However, the news comes as a surprise as no one was expecting Elliot to leave. Because each cast member can allegedly negotiate their own contract and select how long it lasts for (within restraints, I believe), I do not know at this time whether or not Elliot left or was asked to leave. 

But besides her Rachel Maddow (an oldie but a goodie), Khloe Kardashian, Angelina Jolie and Zooey impressions, she really didn’t have much going for her. Despite that her recent youtube success that proves she’s actually pretty damn funny, her time on SNL isn’t anything to rave about.

In fact, I think getting rid of Elliot (let’s pretend she was asked to leave? Either way it’s for the better) was smart. By eliminating stale talent that isn’t extraordinary as often as they can be, Lorne Michaels, the show’s creator and producer extraordinaire, Michaels is aiming to build a cast that has both extraordinary leaders and extraordinary supporting cast members. That’s a dangerous combo. Elliot’s departure might not have been expected, but she will find her place to shine (more The Assistant please!!!!) and Michaels will in turn be expected - and will hopefully rise to that expectation - to bring in a stronger crop of fresh talent from across the country. I’m excited to finally see the new cast announcements and the hosts/premiere dates announcements!