Kenan Thompson, the longest-tenured cast member in SNL history, has opened up about his eventual final day on set, making him emotional. The comedian reflected on how deep his relationships run with fellow cast, crew, and the Studio 8H family. Despite witnessing the departures of several colleagues throughout his career, the weight of those farewells continues to affect him.

Thompson, who has been with the show since 2003, could not help but get sucked into a whirlpool of exit anxieties while contemplating his future without Saturday Night Live.

Kenan Thompson has openly acknowledged that the idea of leaving SNL fills him with both dread and nostalgia. He described the way he would exit the Studio 8H building would have to be akin to ripping the Band-Aid and disappearing with no letters or formal goodbyes. His sentiments reflect his deep emotional attachment to his extended run. 

Beyond the jokes, he reflected on his work on the show, sharing the actual fear about the moment when he must say goodbye to the audience. For him, the show holds great value throughout his personal life and professional path.

"I definitely do. It's, it's gonna suck. There's just so many layers to it. It's not just the on-screen that you see in that one, you know, camera shot. It's so many people behind the scenes, and years and years and years with each one of those people. So it's gonna be a lot," Thompson told PEOPLE when asked if he ponders over his eventual last day on SNL, sitting on his 23rd year on the show now. 

Thompson also noted that he never expected SNL to become such a central part of his life because he originally did not think he would get the job, so his departure from the show would become even more emotional. He told the outlet that he might collapse when the moment arrives. After having spent over two decades creating memories and friendships at the most famous live television venue, Thompson dreads the thought of exiting the show. However, that never stops the comedy veteran from pursuing several projects and thriving. 

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While the day might surely arrive when there is no SNL episode with Thompson anymore, his on-screen presence would not dwindle.

Kenan Thompson is not leaving SNL anytime soon, as he has not announced a date of departure officially. The comedian does not have time to slow down, either, as he is booked and busy with the release of his new children's book, Unfunny Bunny.

Thompson co-wrote the book with Bryan Tucker, which Thompson will narrate in the audiobook version. He is also working with Kel Mitchell to develop new projects, which include their upcoming horror-comedy Kenan & Kel Meet Frankenstein, set to begin filming this summer, while juggling his SNL stint, the show, which just celebrated its monumental 50th year in a star-studded event.

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