For the first time in more than ten years, Saturday Night Live is entering a new season without a single Black woman in its cast.
The shift follows Ego Nwodim’s exit last month, ending her run that began in 2018. With season 51 set to premiere soon, her absence has reignited discussions about diversity and representation on one of TV’s most iconic platforms.
On her talk show Sherri this week, Sherri Shepherd tackled the topic head-on.
“When I watched Saturday Night Live this weekend, I did notice something was missing: Ego Nwodim left the show,” Shepherd said. “She was their only Black female cast member, so now there are no Black women on SNL. So what do I say to SNL? Y’all gotta hurry up and you gotta find somebody, this is a break glass in case of an emergency. It is an emergency.”
Nwodim, who spent seven seasons on the show, reflected on her exit last month, saying, “I am immensely grateful to Lorne for the opportunity, to my castmates, the writers, and the crew for their brilliance, support and friendship. Week after week on that stage taught me more than I could have ever imagined, and I will carry those memories (and that laughter) with me always.”
Shepherd explained that the lack of Black women on SNL goes beyond numbers—it limits the show’s ability to authentically parody the culture it claims to represent.
“When I cohosted The View, there was no Black woman on the show to play me,” she recalled. “There was no Black woman to even play Whoopi [Goldberg]—Kenan Thompson would play Whoopi at the table when they spoofed us!”
She also brought up a 2009 sketch where guest host Tracy Morgan portrayed her. “They had Tracy Morgan in that old, tired Shake-N-Go wig looking like he sits third row at church and serves the dinner after service,” she joked.
While acknowledging that SNL is still “trying to get your bearings” after Nwodim’s departure, Shepherd urged producers to move quickly.
“What I don’t like hearing is ‘we can’t find anybody.’ There are lots of talented Black female comics that you can cast on SNL,” she said, naming Tacarra Williams, B-Phlat, Yamaneika Saunders, and Robin Montague.
Her closing message was clear: “SNL, do not disappoint us. You are charged!”
