Chloe Fineman Announces Departure from ‘SNL’ After 7 Memorable Seasons
Chloe Fineman is parting ways with ‘Saturday Night Live’ after an impressive seven seasons, concluding her journey on one of television’s most iconic comedy platforms. The comedian shared the news of her exit on Instagram on Thursday, July 16, posting photos from her time at Studio 8H and reflecting on the transformative experience that shaped her career. Fineman expressed that leaving the NBC sketch comedy series was a tough choice but felt like the right time to embrace new opportunities.
“After 7 wonderful seasons at SNL I have decided it’s time for my next chapter,” Fineman wrote.
She described her tenure on the show as one of the most significant opportunities of her life, admitting that it still feels surreal to have been part of such a long-standing series. “It’s cliche to say this but working at SNL has been the greatest privilege of my life. I still can’t really believe I got to be a part of it,” she shared. Fineman also extended a heartfelt thank you to creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels, humorously noting her gratitude for the chance she was given. “Lorne (if you’re reading this on your burner account) I want you to know that I am forever in your debt,” she wrote.
In her farewell message, Fineman reminisced about the unique experience of crafting comedy for ‘Saturday Night Live’. She commended the cast, writers, producers, costume team, and everyone behind the scenes who contributed to the weekly episodes.
Fineman explained that the show was filled with emotional highs and lows, particularly when beloved sketches didn’t make it to air. She humorously remarked on how seriously cast members take their ideas, even when those moments eventually turn into funny anecdotes.
“You sob uncontrollably when your sketch isn’t picked,” she wrote. “You storm into a producers office telling them they just made the biggest mistake of their lives. You call everyone you know to complain.” Fineman then joked that years later, those same moments often become stories they laugh about. “And then you look back a few years later and it was a sketch called ‘lipstick for thicc dogs,’” she added.
Fineman joined ‘Saturday Night Live’ in 2019 as a featured player and quickly became one of the show’s most recognizable faces. She gained popularity for her celebrity impressions, portraying well-known figures like Drew Barrymore, Britney Spears, Jennifer Coolidge, Nicole Kidman, Timothée Chalamet, Sydney Sweeney, JoJo Siwa, and Meryl Streep.
Her talent for embodying various personalities helped her stand out during her time on the series. In a 2024 interview with PEOPLE, Fineman discussed the challenges of joining such an iconic show, noting that new cast members quickly adapt to the intense environment. “You kind of are, like, thrown into the fire,” she explained.
She also highlighted the creative relationships she fostered during her time at SNL, particularly the trust and support she experienced while collaborating with other women in the industry. Although Fineman is bidding farewell to the show, she emphasized that her bond with ‘Saturday Night Live’ will remain strong.
“It’s really hard to leave SNL but it does feel like the right time. I’m going to miss it a lot,” she wrote. “But the people who work there are my family and that place is my home, and I know I’ll never be too far away.”
Her departure signifies another significant shift for the long-running comedy series as ‘Saturday Night Live’ continues to evolve into a new era.
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