Saturday Night Live is gearing up for its 51st season with five fresh additions to the SNL cast. NBC confirmed the lineup on September 2, 2025, marking one of the biggest ensemble shakeups in recent years. Among the names gaining attention are Ben Marshall, previously known as part of the Please Don’t Destroy trio, along with fellow creatives John Higgins and Jeremy Culhane.
Who’s Joining the Cast?
According to Variety, Season 51 welcomes five new performers: Ben Marshall, Veronika Slowikowska, Lisa Gilroy, Martin Urbano, and Jeremy Culhane. Marshall’s promotion to on-camera status is notable since he has already been a familiar face behind the scenes with Please Don’t Destroy.
CNN highlighted that Marshall’s transition represents a significant moment for Please Don’t Destroy, the comedy group he co-founded with John Higgins and Martin Herlihy. While Higgins and Herlihy remain on the writing staff, Marshall will now officially perform on stage.
Deadline added further context, noting that Marshall’s inclusion breaks new ground, as few writers have been promoted to repertory player so quickly. The group will continue contributing sketches, but fans will see a new dynamic on screen.
Meanwhile, People emphasized that Jeremy Culhane, known for his sharp comedic timing on “Players” and “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” is also part of the incoming class. His addition, alongside Toronto comedian Veronika Slowikowska, reflects SNL’s ongoing push for younger voices.
Finally, Latenighter reported that Martin Urbano and Lisa Gilroy completed the lineup. Urbano’s offbeat stand-up style and Gilroy’s viral sketches are expected to bring fresh perspectives to the show’s satirical edge.
What This Means for Season 51
The arrival of Marshall, Culhane, Slowikowska, Gilroy, and Urbano signals a major investment in next-generation talent. For longtime fans, seeing Marshall step forward while John Higgins and Martin Herlihy remain behind the scenes represents an evolution in the Please Don’t Destroy dynamic. The chemistry among these comedians could reshape SNL’s tone as the series heads into its sixth decade.
Season 51 premieres later this fall on NBC. With the expanded SNL cast, audiences can expect bold sketches, new characters, and a fresh comedic rhythm. For those following the careers of Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, and John Higgins, this season is shaping up to be must-watch television.
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