Andy Samberg Confirms SNL Departure

After seven seasons on Saturday Night Live, comedian Andy Samberg has confirmed rampant rumors he's leaving the long-running NBC sketch comedy series.  Along with Rochester native Kristen Wiig, Samberg is the second cast member who won't be back for SNL's 38th season this fall.

Samberg's departure was officially announced Friday, but observant SNL viewers may have noticed a hint in the show's season finale on May 19.

During an "SNL Digital Short" video entitled "Lazy Sunday 2," Samberg rapped, “On these New York streets I hone my fake rap penmanship / That’s how it began, and that’s how I’m-a finish it.”  The original "Lazy Sunday" short, from 2005, was the second-ever SNL Digital Short produced, and the first to go viral.

Despite the telling lyric, neither Samberg, SNL executive producer Lorne Michaels nor anyone else at the peacock network would comment on the comedian's future with the show for nearly two more weeks.

The only "confirmed" cast departure before Friday was Kristen Wiig, who received an on-air farewell during the final sketch of the May 19 season finale.  Several entertainment news sources have also included Jason Sudeikis among those rumored to be leaving the show.  All three joined the cast during the 2006-06 season.

- Peter Naughton, WLZW

[The New York Times]