Leaving a high-profile show like Saturday Night Live (SNL) can feel like jumping off a cliff without a parachute—and former cast members Punkie Johnson and Chloe Troast are here to tell you just how jarring that landing can be. But here’s where it gets controversial: is SNL a dream job or a pressure cooker that leaves its stars struggling to find their footing afterward?
In a recent interview with People magazine, Johnson opened the door to a candid conversation about life after SNL. She described the show as a “different beast”—a place that thrusts you into the deep end without a life jacket. After four seasons, Johnson felt she didn’t quite fit in, a sentiment she shared on the Fly on the Wall podcast. She admitted to grappling with the difference between doing something truly meaningful and merely going through the motions. Yet, she credits SNL for building resilience within her, saying, “I handled every piece of adversity that went on in that building. I feel like I can take on anything in Hollywood now.”
Troast, who was part of Season 49 before being asked not to return, echoed similar sentiments. She described the post-SNL adjustment as “really hard,” noting that the show fundamentally reshaped her life. “You don’t get a cushion when you fall,” she said, emphasizing the importance of her support system. “Without my loved ones, I don’t know where I’d be a year later,” she added.
And this is the part most people miss: the uncertainty cast members face when their future on the show hangs in the balance. Season 50’s Devon Walker recently called SNL “toxic as hell” at times, pointing out that cast members are often left in limbo for weeks, unsure if they’ll return. Despite this, Walker described his time on the show as “beyond a success,” highlighting the mixed emotions many feel about their SNL experience.
As SNL kicks off its 51st season with a significant talent shakeup—including the departures of Ego Nwodim and Heidi Gardner and the addition of five new cast members—it’s clear that the show’s impact extends far beyond the stage. But here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Does SNL’s intense environment ultimately prepare its stars for success, or does it leave them ill-equipped for life after the spotlight? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
