Martin Herlihy leaves Saturday Night Live after five seasons ahead of Season 52. Get the details on Please Don't Destroy and upcoming cast changes!
Comedy writer and performer Martin Herlihy has officially departed Saturday Night Live after five seasons on the long-running NBC sketch comedy series. Herlihy, best known as one-third of the breakout comedy trio Please Don’t Destroy, originally joined the late-night franchise during Season 47 in 2021 as a staff writer. His departure marks the second major cast shakeup for executive producer Lorne Michaels heading into SNL Season 52, which premieres on September 26, 2026.
Why Is Martin Herlihy Leaving Saturday Night Live?
Herlihy's departure reflects an ongoing cast evolution following the show's landmark 50th anniversary season.
- Transition to Full-Time Writing: After spending four seasons performing on-screen in digital pre-taped sketches, Herlihy transitioned exclusively to the writing staff for Season 51.
- Solo and Feature Film Focus: Outside of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Herlihy has rapidly expanded his feature film resume. His recent acting credits include major roles in feature comedies such as The Breadwinners, Roommates, Edgar Wright's The Running Man, and Happy Gilmore 2.
- Focusing on Independent Comedy Projects: Herlihy will shift focus toward independent film, television development, and live comedy tours alongside his comedy partners.
What Is the Future of Please Don't Destroy After SNL?
While the trio no longer operates as a unified writing unit on Saturday Night Live, the group remains fully intact for external endeavors.
- Group Dynamics Shift: John Higgins exited the series prior to Season 51, while Ben Marshall was promoted to the main featured cast. Herlihy's exit leaves Marshall as the sole remaining group member on the active SNL roster.
- Live Tours and Future Films: The comedy trio continues to tour live venues across the United States and develop new cinematic projects together following the release of their 2023 streaming hit, Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain, on Peacock.
Who Else Is Leaving Saturday Night Live Before Season 52?
Herlihy is the second prominent departure confirmed for the upcoming broadcast season.
- Chloe Fineman Exits: Longtime cast member Chloe Fineman announced her departure in July 2026 after seven seasons on the show, citing a desire to pursue new creative chapters in film and television.
- Season 52 Premiere Date: Saturday Night Live Season 52 officially kicks off on September 26, 2026, on NBC and streams live on Peacock.
Fans can catch up on classic Please Don't Destroy digital shorts and full episodes of Saturday Night Live on Peacock.