SNL Season 52 casting push targets Black female representation gap left by Ego Nwodim's 2025 exit

SNL has wrapped five Season 52 casting showcases across Los Angeles, Chicago and New York, with screen test calls now going out, per Deadline (19 August 2026). The process aims to address a lack of Black female representation since Ego Nwodim left in 2025. Five standout performers are women of colour: Kaba Hues, April Rock, Allisha Edwards, Amber Singletary and Saidah Belo-Osagie. SNL reps did not comment.