The times are achangin atSaturday Night Live.
Whats it like to suddenly become the old guard and could Thompson be on his way out as well?
We called him up to find out.
Credit: NBC
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Before Sudeikis went onLetterman, were you aware that he was leaving the show?
KENAN THOMPSON:No, not really.
He was always kind of up in the air that was the word I kept getting.
Im up in the air, Im up in the air.
I had a feeling, though.
Its about his time.
Hes doing a lot nowadays.
So you werent surprised?
I wasnt necessarily surprised, but I was saddened.
How are you feeling going into next season, now that he and Hader and Armisen are gone?
Have you really processed it yet?
Its been on my mind.
Its going to be a different place.
And Fred was one year above me, so we were very, very close.
So Im going to miss those guys terribly but Im excited, because its going to bring new people.
Its just cool to witness talent.
So Im excited to see whoever they hire; itll be an awesome challenge.
Whats it like to know youre going to be the longest-running cast member there?
Well, Seth is going to be there.
But hes on his way out too.
So I dont know.
I guess maybe I dont have to get up so early all the time.
[laughs]I can have a little seniority happening, you know what I mean?
Its nuts, but its very, very cool at the same time.
How do you think the show has changed since you started in 03?
I started at the end of the Will Ferrell, Tracy Morgan era.
Jimmy Fallon has come and done his thing.
Oh, Kristen Wiig too I cant forget Kristen, my dearest Kristen.
That would be super fun.
So how are you preparing for the shows next season?
Doing a lot of meditation.
Watching a bunch of new shows, stuff like that.
But you know, you take it in stride.
Will he take a stab at find comedians who are similar to the guys who are leaving?
Got any advice for those who are auditioning now?
Its a hectic audition.
Its different for everybody.
Mine lasted for like, three weeks.
So I would just say, bring your A game, man.
This is the ultimate the one and onlySNL.
So come with your best stuff.
Like, you dont necessarily want to go in there and do a Phil Hartman impression.
Has all of this gotten you thinking about when you might be ready to leave the show?
[Long pause]Im never leaving.
Oh, so youre going to be the next Darrell Hammond.
