The son of Tim Herlihy follows the son of Steve Higgins out the Studio 8H door after five seasons.
Martin Herlihy has officially exited Saturday Night Live (SNL) after five seasons. This departure was confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter on September 9, 2026. Herlihy, a central figure in the comedy group Please Don't Destroy, has played a critical role in shaping the show’s digital content and humor during his tenure.
Herlihy’s exit is particularly notable as he follows his fellow Please Don’t Destroy member John Higgins, who left the show the previous year. Both are sons of SNL alums; Herlihy is the son of Tim Herlihy, a long-time writer for SNL, and Higgins is the son of Steve Higgins. Their familial ties have brought a unique perspective and style to the show, blending traditional sketches with modern humor, making their contributions even more impactful.
This shift in cast reflects the ongoing evolution within the show, particularly as the landscape of comedy continues to change. The departure of both Herlihy and Higgins signals a transitional phase for the show as it braces for the upcoming 52nd season scheduled to premiere on September 26. With fans excited yet apprehensive, there is pressure on the remaining cast to adapt and fill the void left by these departures.
Since its inception in 2017 at NYU, Please Don't Destroy has established itself as a significant force in the SNL digital content realm, especially after the departure of The Lonely Island. With viral sketches like “Roast” featuring Dakota Johnson and “Three Sad Virgins” with Taylor Swift, they have resonated with audiences and garnered critical acclaim. Their recent release, Please Don't Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain, further solidifies their comedic brand and showcases their growth beyond SNL.
Ben Marshall, the third member of Please Don't Destroy, was elevated to the main cast last year and is now viewed as a breakout star. With their dynamic as a trio established at SNL, Herlihy’s exit raises questions about the future direction and chemistry of the group on and off the stage.
Although specific future projects for Herlihy have not yet been announced, he has been building an impressive acting resume outside of SNL. He has taken on various roles, including in the remake of Running Man alongside Glen Powell, and in projects like Roommates and The Breadwinner. With his strong comedic roots and performance experience, Herlihy is well-positioned for continued success in the entertainment industry, opening up avenues for various creative endeavors.
Herlihy's departure from Saturday Night Live marks a significant moment in the show's history, emphasizing the changing landscape of its cast and content. As SNL gears up for its new season, there will be heightened expectations from fans, particularly in light of recent transitions. The need for fresh comedic voices is apparent, and the remaining cast will be challenged to not only maintain the show's legacy but also explore new creative directions as they adapt to these changes. Herlihy’s exit could provide an opportunity for emerging talents to shine and for SNL to reinvent itself once again.
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