Kenan Thompson is reportedly leaving Saturday Night Live after the show’s upcoming season.

Kenan Thompson Retiring From 'SNL'?

Thompson plans to leave following Saturday Night Live’s 40th season after initially planning on leaving the sketch show after the 39th season, reported TMZ. Thompson allegedly only agreed to stay for SNL’s 39th season after producer Lorne Michaels asked him to wait out the major cast shakeups.

Thompson, 36, has been on SNL since 2003, making him the longest-serving veteran of the show of the current cast members. With his 11 seasons on the SNL, he’s also the longest-serving black cast member in the its long history.

It’s been reported that upon leaving Saturday Night Live, the comedian will be heading to Los Angeles to pursue a TV project.

'SNL' Says TMZ Report Is False

Despite TMZ’s story, there has been no confirmation that Thompson is actually leaving Saturday Night Live. A spokesperson for Saturday Night Live has refuted the suggestion that Thompson will be departing after the show’s 40th season. “This report is inaccurate as the season hasn’t even started and cast decisions aren’t made until the end of the season,” the spokesperson told BuzzFeed News.

Thompson has not yet commented on the story.

Saturday Night Live’s 40th season will kick off Saturday, Sept. 27 with Chris Pratt as host and Ariana Grande as the musical guest.

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