This could very well be the last season of Saturday Night Live for Michael Che. For years, Che has co-anchored the Weekend Update segment alongside Colin Jost, making him one of the show’s most important and recognizable cast members. He joined the sketch comedy series as a writer in 2013 and was introduced on Weekend Update the following year, taking over for Cecily Strong. Che and Jost have remained in that position ever since and also serve as the show’s head writers behind the scenes.

In a new interview with The New York Times, Che casts some doubt as to whether he will be coming back next season. He suggests that he’s been around long enough that his time on the program may be running its course. Che feels that SNL is best served for rising comedians looking to break through and bets that it’s just a matter of time before something “more exciting” comes along.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

SNL creator Lorne Michaels does not want Che to leave. Michaels said that when that day inevitably comes, it will take a “year of change” for the cast and fans alike to get used to not having him there. He goes on to praise Che as someone who’s “the real thing,” and with someone so funny and well-liked by viewers, of course Michaels will try to keep him on board for as long as possible.

In recent years, other major cast members, including Pete Davidson and Kate McKinnon, have also been rumored to be considering an exit. Many of them always seem to be taking this decision year by year, ultimately deciding to come back for more. For anyone who declines to return for season 48, their final episode will be with the May 21 season finale featuring guest host Natasha Lyonne and musical guest Japanese Breakfast.

Michael Che Can Be Seen Outside of SNL

Fans can catch more of Michael Che outside of Saturday Night Live. Last year, Netflix debuted his comedy special Michael Che: Shame the Devil, this following the previously-released Michael Che Matters special on the streamer. He also debuted the HBO Max sketch comedy series That Damn Michael Che last year, which drew enough praise and viewership to warrant a season 2 renewal. The cast includes several SNL co-stars including Cecily Strong, Heidi Gardner, and Colin Jost.

Time will tell how long Che lasts at Saturday Night Live, but he will be keeping busy regardless of what happens next.