‘Saturday Night Live’: Is Kenan Thompson leaving after this season?

Well, the picture for Kenan Thompson’s future on “Saturday Night Live” certainly is a little messy, isn’t it?

Let’s start here with the news reported by TMZ, stating that the show’s longest-tenured cast member was originally going to leave last season, but was talked out of it by creator Lorne Michaels do to the heavy cast turnover over the past couple of years. Therefore, he decided to stick around for one more go of things.

However, sources close to NBC tell Gossip Cop that it is far too early for Kenan to make an official decision on this year, and that is true. While he may be leaning towards saying goodbye to the show, you can always change your mind during the season depending on what variables come into play. He could decide to stick around a few more years and take a run at Darrell Hammond’s record of seasons. (Hammond has returned to the show to be the new announcer.)

Personally, we do feel like the time is right for Kenan to say goodbye after this year. There were times when he was an easy target for fans who wanted to hate on some of his characters, but he is coming off of one of his better seasons and has carved out a great niche as the quirky host characters. He can be the “normal guy” in sketches, but can also be insane if called upon.

Also, we admit to having a soft spot for Kenan, as he was one of our childhood heroes growing up watching “All That” and “Kenan & Kel.”

What do you think: Is the time right for Kenan to walk out the door, with his head held especially high? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to also sign up here in the event you want some further TV updates now via our CarterMatt Newsletter.

Photo: NBC