Real reason SNL star Chloe Fineman quitting show after seven seasons

Chloe Fineman shocked Saturday Night Live fans when it was revealed that she would be leaving the iconic variety show and now the real reason for her departure has been revealed.

The 37-year-old actress took to her Instagram to announce on Thursday that it was time for her after ‘seven wonderful seasons’ on the NBC sketch show just weeks after concluding its 51st season.

And now it has been revealed that a career opportunity came up and she abruptly made the decision to move on from the show.

Fineman had made the decision to leave SNL just hours after she was offered a role on David E. Kelley’s new Netflix drama тιтled Myron Molitar according to Page Six on Friday. 

An industry insider told the publication that it ‘all unfolded in one day… It happened very quickly.

‘Chloe went back and forth, but it was a smart move — she knew she couldn’t say no.’

Chloe Fineman (seen in LA on Wednesday) shocked Saturday Night Live fans when it was revealed that she would be leaving the iconic variety show and now the real reason for her departure has been revealed

Fineman had a lot of momentum early on in her SNL stint but newcomers like Ashley Padilla and Veronika Slowikowska have quickly made a name for themselves with the former expected to be promoted to the main cast after a breakout season.

The source explained: ‘After seven seasons on the show, and with all the new faces, it was probably the best move for her.’

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Fineman’s exit came at an interesting time as cast departures, additions, and changes are usually made in August. 

‘It’s really hard to leave SNL but it does feel like the right time,’ the talented impressionist wrote on Instagram Thursday.

‘I’m going to miss it a lot. But the people who work there are my family and that place is my home, and I know I’ll never be too far away.’

Fineman went on to write that the job was ‘the greatest privilege of my life’ and she’s ‘forever in debt’ to creator Lorne Michaels.

‘Every day I was lucky enough to be surrounded by the best people in the business, and I was constantly amazed watching them work,’ the half-Jewish funnywoman – who boasts 1.5 million social media followers – wrote.

‘Sewing a JoJo Siwa costume in 10 hours. Writing a cold open at 2pm on a Saturday. Finishing the VFX of a video minutes before dress (I don’t know if “finishing VFX” is the right technical term but you get the idea).’ 

Fineman had made the decision to leave SNL just hours after she was offered a role onDavid E. Kelley’s (pictured with wife Michelle Pfeiffer at the Golden Globe Awards in January 2020) new Netflix drama тιтled Myron Molitar according to Page Six on Friday

An industry insider told Page Six that it ‘ all unfolded in one day… It happened very quickly. Chloe went back and forth, but it was a smart move — she knew she couldn’t say no’ (she is seen on SNL)

 The Daily Mail has reached out to Fineman’s rep for comment, but did not immediately hear back.

The NoCal native originally joined the talented ensemble in 2019 for the 45th season, and she was promoted to repertory player two seasons later in 2021.

SNL star Chloe Fineman poses in ʙικιɴιs as she lands high-profile gig

Fineman was known for her impersonations of celebs like Drew Barrymore, Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Britney Spears, Timothée Chalamet, Julianne Moore, Kim Cattrall, Jennifer Coolidge and Anna Delvey.

She will also be remembered for Snack Homiez with Sabrina Carpenter and her Domingo sketches with Marcello Hernández.

Speaking of which, Hernández wrote in the comments section: ‘Congrats Carlotaaaa!’

Repertory player Sarah Sherman posted no less than 13 sobbing emojis.

Featured player Jane Wickline commented with a pink heart emoji: ‘Congrats Chloeee!’

Featured player Ben Marshall posted a sobbing emoji and wrote: ‘SNL legend.’

Fineman announced Thursday that she ‘decided it’s time for’ her ‘next chapter’ after ‘seven wonderful seasons’ on the NBC sketch show

The actress went on to write that the job was ‘the greatest privilege of my life’ and she’s ‘forever in debt’ to creator Lorne Michaels (above, right)

‘Every day I was lucky enough to be surrounded by the best people in the business, and I was constantly amazed watching them work,’ the half-Jewish funnywoman wrote

The Andie Swim collaborator was known for her impersonations of celebs, and she’ll be remembered for Snack Homiez with Sabrina Carpenter (R, pictured) and her Domingo sketches with Marcello Hernández

‘YOU KILLED IT!’ former SNL staffer Molly Kearney commented with three red heart emojis. ‘Congrats buddy.’ 

In Living Color alum David Alan Grier posted blown away and sobbing emojis with the dramatic comment: ‘No, no, noooooooooo!’

And SNL alum Ego Nwodim posted three clapping emojis and wrote: ‘Congratulations Chloe!’

Nwodim left the show last summer and Bowen Yang left after the December 20th episode this past season.

Speaking of which, Hernández wrote in the comments section: ‘Congrats Carlotaaaa!’

Repertory player Sarah Sherman posted no less than 13 sobbing emojis

Featured player Jane Wickline commented with a pink heart emoji: ‘Congrats Chloeee!’

Featured player Ben Marshall posted a sobbing emoji and wrote: ‘SNL legend’

‘YOU KILLED IT!’ former SNL staffer Molly Kearney commented with three red heart emojis. ‘Congrats buddy’

In Living Color alum David Alan Grier posted blown away and sobbing emojis with the dramatic comment: ‘No, no, noooooooooo!’

SNL alum Ego Nwodim posted three clapping emojis and wrote: ‘Congratulations Chloe!’

Nwodim (R) left the show last summer and Bowen Yang (L) left after the December 20th episode this past season

Fineman will next portray Marisa in Josh Greenbaum’s pickleball comedy The Dink – premiering July 24 on Apple TV – alongside Jake Johnson (R), Ben Stiller, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris and Patton Oswalt

Fineman has quietly carved out a film career after appearances in White Noise (2022), Babylon (2022), Megalopolis (2024), Despicable Me 4 (2024), Summer of 69 (2025) and Freakier Friday (2025). 

Fineman will next portray Marisa in Josh Greenbaum’s pickleball comedy The Dink – premiering July 24 on Apple TV – alongside Jake Johnson, Ben Stiller, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris and Patton Oswalt.

The Big Mouth actress’ other upcoming films include Brian Swibel’s comedic thriller The Very Best People, Jamie Babbit’s rom-com sequel Red, White & Royal Wedding and Joey Power’s indie rom-com Love Language.