Veronika Slowikowska Joins SNL | PDD Changes & New Cast

The legendary sketch show Saturday Night Live is undergoing significant cast changes as it prepares for its 51st season. Notably, the popular digital short trio Please Don’t Destroy is splitting within the show’s structure. While Ben Marshall transitions to an on-camera role and Martin Herlihy remains a writer, John Higgins exits entirely. Amid these shifts, Veronika Slowikowska joins as a featured player, bringing her unique comedic voice to Studio 8H. This restructuring signals a new era for SNL, blending existing talent with dynamic newcomers.

Please Don’t Destroy: From Writing Room to Cast Shake-Up

Please Don’t Destroy, consisting of Ben Marshall, John Higgins, and Martin Herlihy, became fan favorites through their viral digital shorts. Since joining the writing staff in 2021, they delivered hits like “Three Sad Virgins” featuring Pete Davidson and Taylor Swift. However, the trio will no longer produce sketches for SNL due to internal changes.

Ben Marshall is now a featured player in the cast, while Martin Herlihy continues as a writer. John Higgins, however, departed to pursue acting opportunities. On Instagram, Higgins expressed gratitude, calling his time at SNL a “dream come true”. Despite this shift, the group plans to continue collaborating externally on projects like their upcoming films.

Meet the New Featured Players

SNL added five new featured players for Season 51, aiming to refresh the cast after several departures. Here’s a quick overview:

1. Ben Marshall: Already an SNL writer and PDD member, he moves to an on-camera role.
2. Tommy Brennan: A stand-up comic recognized as a Just for Laughs New Face of Comedy in 2023.
3. Jeremy Culhane: Known for viral TikTok videos and work with Dropout TV and Upright Citizens Brigade.
4. Kam Patterson: A stand-up comedian regularly featured on the Kill Tony podcast.
5. Veronika Slowikowska: A Canadian comedian and actress celebrated for her viral sketches and Gen Z appeal.

These additions follow exits by Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, and Michael Longfellow. Notably, the cast size may increase unless more departures occur.

Veronika Slowikowska: A Rising Star for SNL

Veronika Slowikowska stands out as the only female and Canadian among the new hires. She brings a strong digital presence and versatile comedic skills to SNL. With over 1 million Instagram followers and nearly 700,000 on TikTok, her content resonates with young audiences.

Background and Career

Slowikowska trained at the Randolph College for the Performing Arts and the Canadian Film Centre’s Actors’ Conservatory. She first gained attention through the musical comedy troupe My Chemical Bromance and later appeared in What We Do in the Shadows and Tires. Her viral sketches often blend absurdity with musicality, making her a perfect fit for SNL’s diverse formats.

Financial Impact and Potential

As of 2025, Slowikowska’s net worth is estimated at $500,000, fueled by acting roles and brand partnerships. Joining SNL will significantly boost her earnings; featured players typically earn around $7,000 per episode, amounting to roughly $140,000 per season. This role not only enhances her financial standing but also provides a platform for broader recognition.

Expectations for Her SNL Role

Slowikowska’s blend of musical comedy and absurdist sketches could revitalize SNL’s digital content. Her ability to connect with Gen Z audiences aligns with the show’s efforts to stay relevant. As she stated on Instagram, joining SNL is a “dream come true”.

Behind the Scenes: Writer Departures and Future Plans

Beyond cast changes, SNL’s writing staff is also evolving. Celeste Yim and Rosebud Baker announced their departures, alongside John Higgins. Higgins’ exit is particularly notable due to his family ties; his father, Steve Higgins, is a longtime SNL writer and producer.Despite these changes, Please Don’t Destroy will continue working together on external projects. They have film deals and are currently touring. This suggests that while their SNL chapter is evolving, their creative partnership remains strong.

SNL Season 51: What to Expect

Season 51 premieres on October 4, 2025, on NBC and Peacock. The new cast, including Veronika Slowikowska, aims to bring fresh energy after the high-profile departures. Creator Lorne Michaels hinted at a “shake-up” following the historic 50th season, and these changes deliver on that promise.

Table: SNL Season 51 Cast Changes

This table highlights the dynamic shifts within the cast and writing team. The newcomers bring diverse backgrounds, from stand-up comedy to viral content creation.

Conclusion

Saturday Night Live is embracing change with its 51st season, blending existing talent like Please Don’t Destroy with promising newcomers. Veronika Slowikowska represents a new generation of comedians, and her digital savvy could help SNL connect with younger viewers. As the show evolves, these additions ensure it remains a cornerstone of comedy television. Tune in on October 4 to see how these changes unfold!

FAQs

1. Who is Veronika Slowikowska?

Veronika Slowikowska is a Canadian actress and comedian known for her viral sketches on TikTok and Instagram. She has appeared in What We Do in the Shadows and Tires and joins SNL as a featured player in Season 51.

2. Why is Please Don’t Destroy splitting on SNL?

The trio will no longer produce sketches for SNL because John Higgins left the writing staff, while Ben Marshall joined the cast and Martin Herlihy remained a writer. They plan to continue working together outside the show.

3. What is Veronika Slowikowska’s net worth?

As of 2025, her net worth is estimated at $500,000. Joining SNL will increase her earnings, with featured players earning about $140,000 per season.

4. Who are the new cast members joining SNL?

The new featured players are Ben Marshall, Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska.

5. When does SNL Season 51 premiere?

The season premieres on October 4, 2025, at 11:30 PM ET on NBC and Peacock.

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