Kenan Thompson’s Historic SNL Run Has One Milestone Left To Hit

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As a die-hard fan of Saturday Night Live, I’ve seen Kenan Thompson shine in 22 seasons now, carving out a legendary niche for himself within the show’s rich history. He’s been a part of countless skits and never fails to tickle my funny bone. Beyond his impressive cast member achievements, it seems like there isn’t much more he hasn’t already accomplished. Yet, this beloved star recently pointed out another significant milestone he hasn’t reached yet – and trust me, if “biggie” could describe any achievement, this would certainly fit the bill.

Back in the day, Kenan Thompson outdid Darell Hammond, becoming the longest-serving cast member ever on SNL. Later in 2022, Thompson achieved even more milestones, reaching his 20th season and performing in his 1,500th sketch. Now, he’s part of the 50th anniversary season. So, what’s next for this comedic actor? Well, he could stay on the show forever if he wants to. Thompson recently spoke with EW about this possibility, and at the very least, he seems intrigued by the idea:

It seems that reaching the milestone of being a permanent cast member for life is another significant achievement, but it might not be as extraordinary as reaching 30 seasons. Reaching 20 seasons was an unprecedented feat; many had reached their teens on the show, but nobody had ever made it to season 20. As I approached season 17, I thought if I could, I would love to stay until season 20. Now we’re at season 22, and I’m not sure what will happen next.

More on Kenan Thompson

It was a time when Kenan Thompson, along with Amy Poehler and Will Forte, overindulged in partying. As a result, he had to perform an SNL sketch the next day while still hungover.

Over the years, it’s been fantastic watching the ex-Nickelodeon star on NBC’s longstanding show. I’m thrilled that he’s still going strong. However, considering his longevity, I must confess that I wonder if he can keep up with the series for many more decades. Given stories from past and current cast members, acting on this show is no walk in the park at any age, and I’m unsure if it would become less taxing for Kenan as he matures.

As a fervent film enthusiast, I can’t deny my admiration for Kenan Thompson’s infectious enthusiasm. Ever since his debut on Saturday Night Live in 2003, he’s consistently radiated optimism about being part of this legendary show. Even after all these years, Thompson still manages to exude excitement for each new season.

I understand that being a long-term member of SNL isn’t without its emotional toll. The most challenging aspect, as he often points out, is having to say goodbye to so many talented cast members over the years. But Thompson just keeps on pushing forward.

As for speculation about his potential departure before Executive Producer Lorne Michaels, Thompson himself has weighed in: “That’s up to Lorne.” So, it seems that the future of Kenan Thompson on Saturday Night Live remains uncertain, but one thing is certain – his enthusiasm for the show continues to shine brightly.

That’s an excellent query, but I’m at a loss for the answer. It feels like we’re on a journey without knowing when it might end.

It’s clear as day that Kenan Thompson has witnessed some of the most iconic and peculiar instances during the run of Saturday Night Live. Ranging from Kanye West’s unpredictable political outburst to Morgan Wallen’s exit at the end of the show, Thompson has a collection of extraordinary experiences. I can’t predict how long he’ll continue his tenure at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, but I hope that whenever he decides to move on, it will be on his terms and with a memorable farewell.

On Saturdays, you’ll find the latest episodes of SNL airing at 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time. If you can’t catch them live, don’t worry! With a Peacock subscription, you can stream the episodes anytime.

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2025-04-05 19:37