Chloe Fineman is departing Saturday Night Live after seven seasons, marking the first major cast exit ahead of Season 52. Following her tenure at the NBC sketch show, the performer is reportedly in negotiations to join the cast of Netflix’s upcoming drama series Myron Bolitar.
The announcement of Fineman’s departure, first reported by Deadline, was confirmed by the comedian on Instagram on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Fineman, who joined the sketch comedy series as a featured player at the start of the 2019-20 season, stated that while the exit was difficult, it felt like the right time
for her next professional chapter.
A Career Defined by Impressions and Viral Sketches
Fineman’s time at Studio 8H was characterized by her range as an impressionist. Throughout her seven seasons, she became a staple for portraying various cultural figures. According to Variety, her repertoire included high-profile celebrities such as Jennifer Coolidge, Timothée Chalamet, Drew Barrymore, Britney Spears, and JoJo Siwa. Her ability to quickly adapt during the pandemic-disrupted 2020 episodes—where she utilized made-at-home segments—helped solidify her presence on the show.
Transitioning to Netflix’s Myron Bolitar
As she exits the sketch comedy world, Fineman is moving into scripted drama. Sources told Yahoo that she is currently in negotiations to join the cast of a new Netflix series based on Harlan Coben’s Myron Bolitar book series. The project, which follows a sports agent turned investigator, is expected to feature actors Colin Woodell, KJ Apa, and Diane Guerrero.
This move follows a established pattern for Saturday Night Live cast members who typically conclude their tenure after an initial seven-year contract. While some performers, such as Kenan Thompson, have remained with the show for over two decades, Fineman’s departure aligns with the standard trajectory for many successful alumni.
Reflections on the SNL Experience
In her farewell message, Fineman offered a candid look at the intense culture of the show, describing the emotional highs and lows of the production process. She expressed gratitude to executive producer Lorne Michaels, acknowledging the intensity of the work environment where sketches are often written, refined, and sometimes cut hours before the live broadcast.
“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.”
Fineman also highlighted the collaborative nature of the show, noting that the cast and crew functioned as family. She specifically mentioned the technical efforts involved in producing sketches, from sewing costumes in ten-hour windows to finalizing visual effects minutes before the dress rehearsal, according to PageSix.
Industry Reactions and Future Outlook
Fineman’s departure leaves questions regarding the composition of the cast for Season 52. Historically, the roster is finalized in early September, shortly before the season premiere. As TheWrap notes, it remains unclear if the show will add new performers to replace the departing impressionist. Prior to her exit, Fineman had already expanded her portfolio beyond SNL with voice work on Big Mouth and roles in films such as Despicable Me 4 and Megalopolis.
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