Discover how TikTok comedians are reshaping Saturday Night Live. Meet Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska as they join the SNL cast in season 51.
Introduction
The arrival of SNL TikTok comedians marks one of the most exciting cast shakeups in recent years. As Saturday Night Live season 51 gears up for its October premiere, the show announced several fresh faces joining as feature players. Among them are Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska, three performers who rose to fame through TikTok. Their addition signals how Saturday Night Live is embracing digital-first talent to connect with younger audiences.
For decades, SNL has served as a launchpad for comedic icons like Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig, Eddie Murphy, and Kate McKinnon. But in 2025, the comedy landscape has shifted—platforms like TikTok dominate how new talent is discovered. With over a billion users worldwide, TikTok is now shaping late-night comedy.
This article explores who these SNL TikTok comedians are, their backgrounds, what they bring to the legendary NBC show, and how their arrival reflects a new era for Saturday Night Live.
Who Are the New SNL TikTok Comedians?
NBC confirmed that three social media comedians would join as feature players in season 51:
| Name | Background | Notable Work |
|---|---|---|
| Jeremy Culhane | Actor, writer, and TikTok content creator known for sketch comedy | The Sex Lives of College Girls, Heathers |
| Kam Patterson | Standup comedian with viral TikTok routines | Netflix’s 72 Hours with Kevin Hart |
| Veronika Slowikowska | Actress and TikTok creator with 700,000+ followers | FX’s What We Do in the Shadows |
These SNL TikTok comedians bring diverse styles of humor, blending sketch, improv, standup, and viral video energy.
Jeremy Culhane: From TikTok to NBC Comedy
Among the SNL TikTok comedians, Jeremy Culhane has already made waves in both television and digital comedy. With credits in HBO Max’s The Sex Lives of College Girls and Paramount’s Heathers, Culhane blends traditional acting experience with social media creativity.
On TikTok, he gained a following through short-form sketches that mimic SNL’s quick-cut humor. His seamless transition from digital to mainstream comedy illustrates why SNL recruited him for season 51.
Kam Patterson: Standup and Social Media Sensation
Kam Patterson, another standout among the SNL TikTok comedians, built his reputation as a sharp standup comic. Known for fast-paced punchlines and observational humor, Patterson found a new audience through TikTok clips of his live performances.
In 2025, Patterson will also appear in Netflix’s Kevin Hart-led comedy 72 Hours, showcasing his ability to balance live standup, acting, and viral content creation. For SNL, Patterson’s stage presence and improvisation skills bring a fresh edge to the lineup.
Veronika Slowikowska: Acting Meets Viral Comedy
With nearly 700,000 TikTok followers, Veronika Slowikowska enters SNL as one of the most recognizable names in the TikTok comedy world. She has also had recurring roles in FX’s What We Do in the Shadows, demonstrating her versatility as both a comedic actress and a content creator.
Her sketches often play with surreal humor and character work—skills that align perfectly with SNL’s tradition of memorable recurring roles. Slowikowska is expected to resonate with younger fans who already follow her TikTok comedy.
Why SNL is Adding TikTok Comedians
The addition of SNL TikTok comedians reflects NBC’s strategy to keep Saturday Night Live relevant in a rapidly changing media environment. Younger viewers are consuming comedy differently, often through 60-second TikTok clips rather than long-form sketches.
By bringing in Culhane, Patterson, and Slowikowska, SNL is:
- Tapping into TikTok audiences to draw new viewers
- Blending digital humor with live sketch performance
- Diversifying comedic styles to refresh the show’s energy
- Expanding social media visibility for SNL clips and promos
This move also acknowledges how platforms like TikTok are becoming talent incubators, much like improv theaters once were for SNL legends.
Balancing Tradition with Innovation
While some fans worry that TikTok comedians may change the show’s format, SNL has always adapted. From the early days of Chevy Chase’s slapstick to Andy Samberg’s Digital Shorts, innovation has been part of its DNA.
The arrival of SNL TikTok comedians does not replace traditional sketch writing but rather complements it. These new players bring fresh digital instincts to the writers’ room while learning from established cast members.
Cast Departures and New Beginnings
The inclusion of TikTok comedians comes after notable departures. Season 50 saw the exit of Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, and Emil Wakim. Their departure created space for fresh talent like Culhane, Patterson, and Slowikowska to join.
Just as past generations welcomed new comedians after departures, season 51 is expected to blend familiar SNL veterans with rising digital stars.
Impact on Comedy Industry
The rise of SNL TikTok comedians may set a precedent for other late-night shows. As networks compete with YouTube, Instagram Reels, and TikTok, the line between digital and broadcast comedy continues to blur.
SNL’s strategy positions it as not only a comedy institution but also a platform that evolves with the digital generation.
Table: Traditional vs. TikTok Comedy on SNL
| Aspect | Traditional SNL Comedy | TikTok Comedy Influence |
|---|---|---|
| Format | 3–5 minute sketches | 30–60 second short videos |
| Performance Style | Live stage and character-driven | Fast cuts, relatable everyday humor |
| Discovery of Talent | Improv theaters, standup circuits | Social media platforms like TikTok |
| Audience Reach | TV viewers, YouTube uploads | Global TikTok audience, viral sharing |
| Notable Examples | Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Kate McKinnon | Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, Slowikowska |
FAQs about SNL TikTok Comedians
Q1: Who are the new SNL TikTok comedians in season 51?
The new additions are Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska, all of whom built followings on TikTok.
Q2: Why did SNL cast TikTok comedians?
SNL aims to connect with younger audiences and bring fresh digital-first humor into its live sketch format.
Q3: When does Saturday Night Live season 51 premiere?
The new season premieres in October 2025 on NBC.
Q4: Are TikTok comedians replacing traditional cast members?
No, they are joining as feature players while working alongside established comedians and writers.
Q5: How popular are the new cast members on TikTok?
Veronika Slowikowska has nearly 700,000 followers, while Jeremy Culhane and Kam Patterson also enjoy strong digital fanbases.
Conclusion
The inclusion of SNL TikTok comedians—Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska—marks a new chapter for Saturday Night Live. By merging TikTok’s fast, viral humor with its long-standing sketch tradition, SNL is ensuring it remains a cultural touchstone for a new generation.
Whether fans are tuning in for digital stars or classic sketches, season 51 promises to be one of the most talked-about in recent history.