Curious whether Sarah Sherman is actually leaving Saturday Night Live after Season 50’s finale? Scarlett Johansson’s monologue stirred speculation with a surprise lyric about Sherman’s exit, leaving fans confused as the moment played out on live TV. While social media buzzed with theories, NBC offered no official statements during or after the episode.
Here’s what we know so far about the joke, the cast’s future, and Sherman’s status on SNL.
Is Sarah Sherman really leaving SNL?
Sarah Sherman is not leaving Saturday Night Live.
During the Season 50 finale on May 18, 2025, Scarlett Johansson joked about Sherman’s departure in her musical monologue, singing, “It’s been a great season / and Sarah is leaving / we’re all going to miss you next year.” Sherman immediately responded in character, “Wait, what? Did you guys hear something? WHAT DO YOU MEAN, LEAVING?” before smiling and joining the chorus, indicating the moment was scripted humor.
The joke was part of Johansson’s parody of Billy Joel’s “Piano Man,” which also included comedic references to other cast members and her role in the upcoming Jurassic Park film. Despite the line sparking social media speculation, there was no formal announcement from Sherman or NBC indicating she was exiting the show.
The Season 50 finale featured no official cast goodbyes, as SNL continued its recent trend of skipping on-air farewells. Unlike Kristen Wiig’s high-profile 2012 sendoff, the episode showed no clear signs of cast turnover. Longtime cast members Michael Che, Mikey Day, Heidi Gardner, and Kenan Thompson appeared but didn’t publicly confirm any departures.
Deadline reported that Sherman was likely chosen for the joke because she isn’t expected to leave. During the closing curtain call, Sherman was seen receiving a warm embrace from Bowen Yang, suggesting her continued presence on the show. In a Vanity Fair interview, Sherman expressed interest in hosting “Weekend Update,” saying, “I would love to… It looks so fun. I’ll do anything that’s fun.”
Only Che has previously hinted at leaving, though he made similar comments in prior years. NBC has not confirmed any changes to the SNL cast lineup for Season 51.
