Leslie Jones Exits 'Saturday Night Live' Ahead of its 45th Season

Leslie Jones will not return for the 45th season of Saturday Night Live, deciding instead to continue pursuing her burgeoning movie career. Jones has been with SNL since she entered the show as a writer in 2014 before breaking out largely thanks to her “Weekend Update” segments. Jones has several projects lined up, including Coming 2 America with Eddie Murphy, in addition to movies alongside Kristen Bell and Chris Rock. She also has a Netflix stand-up special due out soon.

So far, Jones is the only cast member who won’t be returning next month to the series. SNL also closed a deal for Kate McKinnon to return this season. Kenan Thompson will also return despite doing double duty on an NBC sitcom, The Kenan Show.

SNL recently announced the first guest hosts for the season: Woody Harrelson will host the season premiere with musical guest Billie Eilish, followed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and musical guest Taylor Swift, and then David Harbour on October 12th with musical guest Camila Cabello. Eddie Murphy will host the Christmas show on December 21st.