Since Will Forte announced his departure from “Saturday Night Live” yesterday, rumors have been flying about who will replace him. The Comic’s Comic has the scoop on who the most likely candidates are. Right now it looks like they will making up to three new additions to the cast: Chicago-based improviser and sketch comedian Paul Brittain, Vanessa Bayer – another Chicago-based improviser and stand-up comic – and Taran Killam, a member of The Groundlings in L.A.
According to Sean L. McCarthy at The Comic’s Comic, Killam (photo: far right) has the most credentials under his comedy belt, with appearances on both “Mad TV” and Nick Cannon’s “Wild ‘N Out,” as well as a recurring character named Blauman on “How I Met Your Mother.”
As for Bayer and Brittain (photo: center and far left, respectively) “SNL” is no stranger to Chicago talent. Both comedians are veterans of improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy at notable Chicago venue iO Chicago, and Bayer runs with Second City’s Touring Company. Brittain has also made several appearances on NBC’s improv/mockumentary show “Sports Action Team,” currently in its second season.
It seems like “SNL” has some pretty talented people in mind, albeit not very diverse ones. “SNL” has always skewed young and white, and these comics reflect that trend.