Seth Meyers officially confirmed that he will be leaving Saturday Night Live during the sketch comedy’s 39th season.
Creator and executive producer recently said he would like Meyers to continue appearing on SNL even after he takes over Late Night next February. Since Late Night doesn’t have a Friday edition, the hope was that Meyers would be able to work that day and Saturday on SNL ‘s “Weekend Update.”
Meyers told TV Line he was surprised by Michaels’ comments .
“It’s really nice when Lorne subtly makes hints in the New York Times ,” he said. “We’ll make the decision probably [January] as far as how much I’ll do, but obviously the focus is going to be making sure Late Night has my full attention.”
Meyers also said that this season seemed like a good time to make his exit, especially after the departures of three cast members at the end of season 38. He also said he felt nostalgic about his run on the show.
“Certainly last season as well, with Bill [Hader] and Jason [Sudeikis] and Fred [Armisen] all leaving, you get very nostalgic when people who you were there for their first show, and then all of a sudden they’re gone,” he said.
“It seems like a good season to be my last,” he added. “I’m very happy that I’m doing the first half and at least work with these new people a little bit. They are all pretty exceptional.”
Meyers also complimented his new “Weekend Update” co-anchor, Cecily Strong, who will anchor the segment solo when Meyers leaves.
“She’s great, and she was such a natural in her first season on the show, so it’s a really great choice,” he said.
It was confirmed in May that Seth Meyers will be replacing Jimmy Fallon as the new host of Late Night in 2014. Fallon, also an SNL alum, will be taking over Jay Leno’s role on the Tonight Show. Meyers has been Saturday Night Live ‘s head writer for eight seasons, and has been the “Weekend Update” anchor for seven. He’s been on the sketch comedy for 12 seasons total.
