Saturday Night Live recently came back for its 48th season, but the 2022 premiere was not the same show fans have become accustomed to over the years. While the NBC comedy sketch series lost eight key players (like Kate McKinnon, Aidy Bryant and Pete Davidson) after the 47th season finale, viewers became concerned one more cast member may have taken her last bow: Cecily Strong.
It all started when viewers noticed the opening credits for SNL's premiere episode, hosted by Top Gun: Maverick star Miles Teller and Kendrick Lamar as the musical guest. As the current cast members' names rolled on the screen, some pointed out that Cecily's name was prominently missing. This led dedicated fans to wonder: Did she quietly leave the show without any of the audience knowing? Luckily, she revealed where she's been.
As it turns out, she's currently performing her one-woman show The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe through October 23 in Los Angeles. "WHOAH HO MAMMA MIA. I am still tearing up today when I think about last night," she wrote in part on Instagram on September 29. "Opened my favorite show with my favorite people @silverleigh @billdamaschke.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Cecily Strong (@cecilystrong)
When fans realized that Cecily didn't, in fact, say goodbye SNL, they quickly took to her comments section to congratulate her on the big career milestone.
"👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾," wrote fellow SNL co-star Kenan Thompson on Instagram. "You were absolutely incredible! You have accomplished something only a MASSIVE talent could ever dream of doing," another follower commented. "WOOOOW this is amazing 🤩," a different fan added.
Now, we know the mystery behind Cecily's absence on SNL! Despite her name not being in the credits, People did confirm she will be back on the air later this month. Coupled with the fact that showrunner Lorne Michaels set expectations that season 48 would be different, it will be good to see a familiar face on-screen.
"This will be a transition year," he told Deadline about the cast shakeup in September. "Change years are always difficult but always exciting."
How to Defrost Meat Safely and Quickly
67 Best Gifts for Women That'll Make Her Smile
30 Delicious Low-Carb Foods, According to Dietitians
Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson’s nine-month romance is now a part of Hollywood dating history, but viewers get to relive some of their relationship through the second season of The Kardashians. Even though he wasn’t a major part of filming the reality show, the SKIMS founder dished a bit during her confessional about the secret […]
"SNL's" Chloe Fineman channeled her inner Meredith Marks.
She reflected on her ex in the latest episode of The Kardashians.
A long-lasting, eco-friendly option that softens clothes naturally? No wonder these doodads have over 48,000 perfect Amazon ratings.
Universally flattering, waist-cinching, smoothing, slimming: You need these in your life.
It goes anywhere, sucks up anything and provides nearly an hour of cleaning power on a single charge.
Be a holiday hero: Stock up on this super-affordable gift for the people on your list who most need to chill out.
Snap up these Apple Prime Day deals at Amazon, while you can!
From sleek modern homes to more traditional styles, there's a tiny house in the mix for everyone.
Walmart's Rollbacks & More event is on now through Thursday, giving shoppers incredible deals ahead of the holiday season.