Kenan Thompson, best known for his role in “Kenan & Kel,” has made history as the longest-tenured cast member on “Saturday Night Live.” Since joining the iconic sketch comedy series in 2003, Thompson has remained a mainstay, with Season 50 marking his impressive 22nd season on the show.
In a recent interview with People in January 2025, Thompson reflected on his long tenure on “SNL,” noting that while most cast members stay for around eight to twelve seasons, his love for the show and gratitude for the opportunity have kept him coming back year after year. Describing it as the “greatest job in the world,” Thompson emphasized the blessing of having steady employment in an industry known for its unpredictability.
Despite his enduring appreciation for “SNL,” Thompson acknowledged the challenges of watching fellow cast members come and go. During an appearance on his “SNL” costar Ego Nwodim’s podcast, “Thanks Dad,” in October 2024, Thompson opened up about the bittersweet experience of forming friendships on the show only to see them change or fade over time.
Thompson’s journey on “SNL” began when he was just 23 years old, and now, at the age of 46, he holds the record for the longest tenure on the show. Starting as a featured player in his first two seasons before being promoted to repertory status in season 31, Thompson has been a witness to the evolution of “SNL” and its cast.
During an interview with Entertainment Weekly in June 2024, Thompson highlighted the increasing diversity of the show over the years. From a time when “SNL” had only one or two Black cast members, the current cast boasts a more inclusive mix of talent, including individuals from Asian, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+ backgrounds. This diversity, Thompson noted, has expanded the comedic possibilities of the show and allowed for new types of humor to flourish.
While Thompson holds the title of the longest-running cast member on “SNL,” he is not the only one with an impressive tenure. Several other cast members have also made their mark on the show over the years, including Tim Meadows, Aidy Bryant, Michael Che, Fred Armisen, Kate McKinnon, Cecily Strong, Colin Jost, Seth Myers, and Darrell Hammond.
Each of these performers has contributed to the rich history of “SNL” in their own unique way, adding their talents to the iconic late-night sketch show. As Thompson continues to break records and make history on “SNL,” fans eagerly anticipate what the future holds for the beloved comedian on the long-running series.
The legacy of “Saturday Night Live” lives on, with new episodes airing on NBC every Saturday at 11:30 p.m. EST and available for streaming on Peacock the following day.
