Punkie Johnson announces she’s leaving Saturday Night Live and ‘ain’t coming back’ in the middle of her comedy gig

COMEDIAN Punkie Johnson announced she was leaving Saturday Night Live after four seasons on the show.

During a comedy gig, the SNL star said she “ain’t coming back.”

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On Wednesday night, Punkie had a stand-up show at Brooklyn’s Union Hall in New York City , where she revealed she wasn’t returning.

Following the show, news circulated about her announcement, and the comedian decided to address the rumors herself on Instagram .

“I just want to let you know after four seasons, I will not be returning to SNL for the 50th,” Punkie said in a video .

She went on to say that she opened up the floor for questions when an audience member asked her what she was looking forward to for the upcoming season.

“I don’t remember the exact question, all I heard was, ‘Me and next season.’

“I’m not going to lie to my friends, so I just said, ‘Oh, I ain’t coming back,'” Punkie recalled.

The New Orleans native said she woke up to multiple text messages and calls about the comments she made about her departure.

“It was a comedy show. I was just having fun,” she reassured. “There’s no bad blood, no bridges burned, no hard feelings.

“Bro, I love my people! I didn’t think none of this was going to be a big deal.”

Punkie went on to say SNL was “a dream I didn’t even know that I could achieve.”

“I was part of one of the most elite institutions in comedy, and I am so grateful for it. That’s still my people. I love them,” she said.

“My time now has come to an end.”

SHOWERED WITH LOVE

After Punkie released the video, the comedian received an array of support from fans and SNL cast members .

“Love you til the death of me Punkie!! Now get off Instagram and whatever tf editing app you used and call me back please,” wrote SNL co-star Ego Nwodim.

SNL cast members

During the 2023-2024 season, fans witnessed a number of laughs from some of the funniest comedians in the industry. Here's a look at the cast members who acted alongside Punkie Johnson during her final season:

Michael Che

Mikey Day

Andrew Dismukes

Chloe Fineman

Heidi Gardner

Marcello Hernandez

James Austin Johnson

Colin Jost

Molly Kearney

Michael Longfellow

Ego Nwodim

Sarah Sherman

Kenan Thompson

Devon Walker

Bowen Yang

“Punks for pres,” wrote Heidi Gardner .

Cecily Strong , who left SNL in 2022, also commented, “Love you Punkie!!”

While her comedian friends showered her with love, fans have also shown the comedian love.

“We love you Punkie!! Can’t wait to see what greatness is next,” wrote one fan.

“Damn! I’ll miss you on SNL! Can’t wait to see what’s next,” said another.

“What a phenomenal 4 years it’s been! #ThePunkieBunch will still live on forever,” commented a third.

While Punkie won’t be on SNL, she does have an array of comedy shows lined up across North America .

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