SNL's Diversity Record: 8 Black Women Cast Members in 50 Years, and Counting

"SNL" Faces Criticism for Lack of Black Women Cast Members Ahead of New Season The upcoming 51st season of Saturday Night Live (SNL) is set to launch on October 4, but the show's lack of diversity among its cast members has sparked controversy. According to a report by Clayton Davis, only eight Black women have been part of the SNL cast in the show's 50-year history. Ego Nwodim's announcement that she would be leaving the show after seven seasons has brought attention to the issue. "It's looking like the show will head into its 51st season without a single Black woman in its cast, unless someone is added at the last minute," Davis wrote. SNL has faced criticism for its lack of diversity and representation over the years. In 2019, the show was accused of perpetuating racism and sexism with its casting choices. The show's creator, Lorne Michaels, has acknowledged the issue but has yet to take concrete steps to address it. "I think it's a shame that we've had so few Black women on the show," said actress and activist Regina Hall. "It's not just about representation; it's about creating opportunities for talented women who deserve to be seen." The lack of diversity among SNL's cast members is not unique to the show. The entertainment industry as a whole has been criticized for its lack of representation and inclusion. "SNL has had a long history of being a platform for white, male comedians," said actress and writer Wanda Sykes. "It's time for them to step up and create opportunities for women and people of color." The show's producers have yet to comment on the issue or announce any plans to add new cast members. As the 51st season approaches, fans are calling on SNL to take a more proactive approach to diversity and inclusion. "It's time for SNL to do better," said actress and activist Tiffany Haddish. "We need to see more women of color on that stage." The show's lack of diversity has sparked a wider conversation about representation in the entertainment industry. As one fan tweeted, "SNL needs to step up its game when it comes to diversity and inclusion. We deserve better than just a few token cast members." In response to the criticism, SNL has announced plans to hold auditions for new cast members. However, many are skeptical about whether these efforts will lead to meaningful change. As the entertainment industry continues to grapple with issues of representation and inclusion, one thing is clear: SNL's lack of diversity among its cast members is a symptom of a larger problem. It remains to be seen whether the show will take concrete steps to address this issue and create a more inclusive environment for women and people of color. Background: Saturday Night Live has been on the air since 1975, making it one of the longest-running sketch comedy shows in television history. The show has had its fair share of controversy over the years, including accusations of racism and sexism. Additional Perspectives: "SNL needs to do better when it comes to diversity and inclusion," said actress and activist Tiffany Haddish. "It's time for SNL to take a more proactive approach to creating opportunities for women and people of color," said actress and writer Wanda Sykes. "The lack of diversity among SNL's cast members is not just a problem for the show; it's a symptom of a larger issue in the entertainment industry as a whole," said actress and activist Regina Hall. Current Status: The 51st season of SNL is set to launch on October 4, but the show's producers have yet to comment on whether they will add any new cast members. *Reporting by Variety.*