Saturday Night Live (SNL) is an essential fixture of American television. It began airing on NBC in 1975.
The late-night television sketch comedy show has become a cultural touchstone, providing edgy comedy and satire that appeals to a broad demographic.
The show has significantly impacted American culture and politics, often being a platform for political satire and a starting point for numerous prominent comedians and actors.
What SNL cast members have had the longest tenure on the show? Some of the names might surprise you – both for their inclusion on this list and for those who didn’t make it here.
Here are the longest-running SNL cast members since the show began.
Tim Meadows – 10 Seasons
Time: 1991-2000
Notable Characters: The Ladies Man, Sammy Davis Jr., OJ Simpson
Tim Meadows had a notable tenure on Saturday Night Live, appearing for 10 seasons from 1991 to 2000. That was the longest tenure for cast members at the time.
He is recognized for his versatile comedic talents and memorable characters, including the smooth-talking sex advisor Leon Phelps, also known as “The Ladies Man,” which was later adapted into a film in 2000.
Aidy Bryant – 10 Seasons
Time: 2012-2022
Notable Characters: Carrie Krum, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Ted Cruz
Aidy Bryant was a prominent cast member on Saturday Night Live for ten seasons.
She joined SNL in Season 38 (2012) and during her time there was nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards – including two nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series -and she became an MVP in countless sketches.
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Colin Jost – 11 Seasons
Time: 2014-Present
Notable Characters: Weekend Update Anchor
Colin Jost actually joined Saturday Night Live (SNL) in 2005 as a writer before becoming co-anchor of Weekend Update in 2014. He would later be paired up with Michael Che, constituting the current “news” cast.
He has been a significant part of SNL, serving as a head writer and writer supervisor. Jost has also contributed to sketches periodically.
Al Franken – 11 Seasons
Time: 1977-1980, 1986, 1988-1995
Notable Characters: Stuart Smalley, Pat Robertson
Al Franken, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, had a significant tenure at Saturday Night Live (SNL), prior to his Senate career. He was one of the original writers.
As a writer and performer, he earned 15 Emmy nominations and five Emmy awards for his work. Franken also played memorable characters like self-help guru Stuart Smalley, contributing to SNL‘s comedic landscape and cultural impact.
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Fred Armisen – 11 Seasons
Time: 2002-2013
Notable Characters: Lawrence Welk, Ian Rubbish
Fred Armisen’s tenure on Saturday Night Live spanned over a decade, during which he became known for his diverse and memorable characters.
He appeared in 856 sketches at the end of his tenure, the second-most of any cast member, making several cameos since. Armisen’s most recognizable roles included characters like Fericito and impressions of President Barack Obama.
Kate McKinnon – 11 Seasons
Time: 2012-2022
Notable Characters: Hillary Clinton, Colleen Rafferty
Kate McKinnon’s appearances on SNL led to several Emmy nominations and awards for her work as a supporting actress in a comedy series.
She is perhaps best remembered for her role as Hillary Clinton leading up to the 2016 presidential election. McKinnon lists nearly 60 celebrity impressions on her resume.
Cecily Strong – 11 Seasons
Time: 2012-2022
Notable Characters: Princess Jasmine, The Girl You Wish You Hadn’t Started a Conversation With At a Party
Cecily Strong had a notable tenure on Saturday Night Live, at the end becoming the longest-tenured female cast member in the show’s history before her departure in 2022.
She was celebrated for her wide range of characters, including spot-on impersonations of Melania Trump and Marjorie Taylor Greene, along with her original character Cathy Anne, the drug-addicted neighbor of Michael Che.
Seth Meyers – 13 Seasons
Time: 2001-2014
Notable Characters: Weekend Update Anchor
Seth Meyers had a lengthy run on Saturday Night Live, joining in 2001 and becoming a cast member, head writer, and co-anchor of Weekend Update.
He anchored the faux news portion of the show from 2006 to 2014, first with Amy Poehler and then solo. Meyers left SNL after 13 seasons in 2014 to host Late Night with Seth Meyers.
Darrell Hammond – 14 Seasons
Time: 1995-2009
Notable Characters: Sean Connery, Bill Clinton
Darrell Hammond had a significant SNL career and was probably one of the most underappreciated impressionists the show has ever seen.
He is recognized for his impressions of various public figures, including Bill Clinton, Al Gore, and Donald Trump. Hammond’s spot-on Sean Connery character in Celebrity Jeopardy skits are some of the funniest material the show has produced.
He was a part of SNL for 14 seasons and later returned as its announcer in 2014, a role he still holds.
Kenan Thompson – 21 Seasons
Time: 2003-Present
Notable Characters: Bill Cosby, Steve Harvey
Blowing all others away as the longest-running SNL cast member is Kenan Thompson. He joined the show in 2003 and, as of last Saturday, is still there.
He has been a cornerstone of sketches for many years. Thompson also notably took a stand against playing black female characters on the show, instead demanding SNL start actually hiring some black female comedians.
Thompson holds the record for most celebrity impressions performed on the show (139) and has been nominated for five Primetime Emmys for his work on SNL, winning once.
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