Kenan Thompson, The Rock, Jason Momoa and others get closer as SNL loses BTS 'main player after 20 seasons

Live Saturday night nears its 45th season premiere in just over a month, but will return to NBC in October and will be missed by someone who has been on the show for a long time. SNL producer Lindsay Shookus is leaving after being a major behind-the-scenes actor for many years, and some big names (including current ones SNL star Kenan Thompson) contacted after breaking the news.

Lindsay Shookus has announced that she will be leaving the NBC mainstay after 20 years and over 400 live shows on instagram. The production company had been nominated for ten Emmy Awards during its time SNL, winning four. She thanked the show’s cast and crew, including celebrities SNL creator and producer, Lorne Michaels. Regarding the prospects for her after her departure, he wrote:

Can’t wait for it to arrive … (Apparently there is something called Brunch that people do on weekends?) Can’t wait to spend more time with my daughter, to continue my stock market work of studio SNL Diversity, of which I am proud he helped create and promote with the support of NBC. Universal and my amazing team of SNL talents, and putting more energy into @womenworkfinghard, the organization I co-founded in 2018 to help women navigate their careers, grow their businesses and (especially today) defend their rights.

Shookus was clearly a beloved BTS player on the show. Former hosts and cast members expressed their gratitude in comments to his Instagram post for the wonderful work he has done. SNL during his tenure, including stars such as Kenan Thompson, The Rock and Jason Momoa.

Kenan Thompson

Kenan Thompson was a SNL pillar for nearly two decades, and is the longest-serving actor in SNL story (which appears in over 1,500 sketches). She has worked on the series almost as much as Lindsay Shookus. Thompson started the series in 2003, just a year after the producer. Thompson expressed his thoughts by providing a quote from PB Kerr:

😢 It was a pleasure to travel my friend !!! “May the saddest day of your future not be worse than the happiest day of your past.” Health!! ❤️❤️❤️

Clearly, Shookus will be greatly missed at Studio 8H as the cast prepares for a new season.

Dwayne The Rock Johnson

Le Rocher is a member of SNL ‘s “Five-Timers Club,” which means it has hosted the show five times. He has been a part of many iconic sketches and obviously joined the show’s cast and behind-the-scenes professionals, including Shookus. He commented on his post saying:

What a phenomenal, impactful and hugely successful career, Linds! Congratulations and you will destroy your next efforts. I always encourage you 🖤🥃

Isn’t The Rock the sweetest? From his kind words, it must have had an impact on black adam Star.

Jason Momoa

Jason Momoa was just the host SNL once in 2018, but returned for two appearances over the years. Shookus was the head of the show’s talent department in his time, so I’m sure he’s interacted with many stars like Momoa during his decades in office. Momoa commented on a sincere post from her congratulating her:

one of the best moments of my life. What week did I spend with you? ❤️❤️❤️❤️ I love you mom. Congratulations

Shookus made headlines from 2017 to 2019 for dating Ben Affleck, a member of the “Five-Timers Club”, before rekindling his romance with Jennifer Lopez, but is leaving a legacy behind. SNL it goes far beyond a love story from a few years ago.

With her gone, I wish her good luck and many lunches to come. Furthermore Live Saturday nightShookus was credited as producing 45 episodes of the hit NBC show 30 rock, so maybe he won’t stray too far from NBC and the television world.

Live Saturday night returns to NBC for its 48th season this fall, and Peacock subscribers can stream all previous episodes of the show to review one of their favorites. To plan ahead for the next TV season (which includes SNL), check out our 2022 TV preview schedule.

Source: Cinemablend