"Saturday Night Live" writer Mike O'Brien has left the comedy after five years with the show. O'Brien joined the "SNL" writing staff in 2009 and was upgraded to featured player in 2013 for Season 39. He left the stage after only one season, but continued on as a writer for Season 40, according to Entertainment Weekly.
Some of O'Brien's more famous sketches included "Monster Pals," which featured James Franco, "The Jay Z Story" and the shorts "Prom Queen" and "Grow-a-Guy."
Along with O'Brein, four other writers — Nick Rutherford, Natasha Rothwell, Alison Rich and Claire Mulaney — also left the sketch comedy series. No reason was given for their departures.
The open writing positions have already been filled by Fran Gillespie, Sudi Green and Will Stephen of New York City's Upright Citizens Brigade; former "Late Show with David Letterman" writers Paul Masella and Chris Belair; and stand-up comedian Dave Sirus, according to Splitsider.
This news comes after "SNL" announced comedian Jon Rudnitsky is joining the show as a featured player for Season 41. The legendary show had a rough past couple of seasons, trying to fill the void after major cast members like Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudeikis and Bill Hader left. During Season 39, the show added a whopping eight new comedians and added another three a year later.
"Saturday Night Live" returns to NBC Oct. 3 with host and musical guest Miley Cyrus.
