As *Saturday Night Live* (SNL) gears up for its monumental 50th season, the show has become more iconic than ever.
Among the stars who have made a lasting impact on the show is Kenan Thompson, who is now celebrating his 22nd season as a featured cast member.
This historic milestone comes just ahead of the special 50th Anniversary live special, which was preceded by the release of *Beyond Saturday Night*, a docu-series on Peacock.
The series has given SNL alumni a chance to reflect on their time in Studio 8H, and Thompson’s perspective on his journey is particularly fascinating.
Kenan Thompson, who rose to fame as part of Nickelodeon’s *Kenan & Kel*, has become a fixture of SNL, offering fans a constant presence amid the constantly changing cast.
However, it wasn’t always a smooth ride for Thompson.
He opened up about the stressful and nerve-wracking experience of auditioning for SNL, despite being a seasoned TV star at the time. In an interview with *People*, Thompson revealed, “I don’t remember the material, but I remember the emotions, the nerves. I remember being enamored by 30 Rock at first. It’s a big building outside, small studio inside. I just didn’t understand where I was because I’d never seen the behind-the-scenes much. It was very surreal and very stressful because I had to do stand-up without being a stand-up.”
His self-deprecating reflection on the audition process shows that even a veteran actor like Thompson can feel out of his element, especially in the intense atmosphere of SNL’s iconic studio. Yet, despite the initial anxiety, Thompson’s acting skills won over the casting department. His acting, as he claims, was a perfect fit for the sketches—despite his lack of traditional training in sketch comedy or improv. Many SNL cast members are recruited from established improv troupes like The Groundlings or Second City, or come from stand-up comedy backgrounds, but Thompson’s acting background made him an outlier.
Thompson’s early seasons on SNL weren’t without challenges. He has previously described his first season as “disastrous,” but over time, he solidified himself as one of the show’s most reliable performers, bringing his distinct charm and energy to every sketch. His range of characters, from his memorable impersonations of celebrities to his hilarious original sketches, has made him a standout. He’s been part of some of the most iconic viral moments in SNL history, such as *Beavis and Butt-Head* sketches and is often the one to keep things together when the cast is on the verge of breaking character.
As Thompson reaches his 22nd season, it’s incredible to realize that he has been with SNL for nearly half of its 50-year run. This remarkable tenure has made him an irreplaceable part of the show’s legacy. For Thompson, there’s no shortage of love for the job that has defined so much of his career. He explained his devotion to SNL by saying, “It’s crazy because most people do eight [seasons] max, you know what I mean? Or 12. But it’s a one-of-a-kind place. It’s the people in front and behind that embrace it, need it. So when they call me, what, am I not supposed to oblige the greatest job in the world? So it’s just out of love. What a blessing it is to have steady employment.”
Thompson’s perspective on his long tenure with SNL reflects his deep appreciation for the show, and it’s clear that he has no plans to leave unless it’s his own decision. He continued, “I think it’s absolutely so sweet how much the Nickelodeon alum genuinely loves his job.” It’s rare to hear someone express such enthusiasm after being in a job for over two decades, but Thompson’s passion for SNL remains unwavering. For fans, this means Thompson’s continued presence is all but guaranteed as long as he’s willing to stay.
Despite the intense demands of being on a show that requires constant reinvention and innovation, Thompson also pointed out the challenges of saying goodbye to cast members and writers who move on after a season. The hardest part of being on the show for so long, he admits, is “the bittersweet goodbyes” when others leave. But there’s no question that his eventual departure, whenever that might come, will be the most emotional farewell in the history of SNL.
For now, Thompson’s fans can continue to enjoy his work as part of SNL’s groundbreaking 50th season. With so many legendary alumni returning for the anniversary special, fans are hopeful to see Thompson bring back some of his classic characters—perhaps a memorable return to his iconic Steve Harvey impersonation from *Celebrity Family Feud* sketches. After all, with such a dedicated performer like Thompson still on the SNL stage, the show’s 50th season is sure to be filled with legendary moments.
As SNL celebrates its five decades of comedic brilliance, there’s no doubt that Kenan Thompson’s 22-year run will go down in history as one of the show’s defining eras. His ability to remain a steady presence in an ever-changing show is a testament to both his immense talent and his love for the job. With no plans to leave anytime soon, Thompson’s continued role in the iconic series will be one of its greatest highlights as it celebrates its golden anniversary.
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