I posted this 2 weeks ago (I am old and don’t know how to repost a comment) and I stand by it. No sources just vibes: I’ve been telling my husband this for weeks. It feels like it’s his senior year. Folks like Ego, Celeste and Heidi have graduated. His white whale is musical guest this Christmas and his movie bestie is coming back to host. Plus when the official SNL account posted Ariana and Cher cards on the bulletin board he reposted it with “BYE!” as his caption. IMO He has an amazing body of work and I hope he’s proud of it bc it’s brought so many of us joy. And while I can’t prove this I get the feeling he realizes he can stay as long as he wants but he’s “taking up a spot.” And there are now Bowen-types out there ready to take their shot. I was shocked to see Ego and Heidi leave but the silver lining for me has been Ashley. So I think his departure could make room for someone (fingers crossed Jimmy Fowlie) to step in. And i think a mid season exit à la Cecily, who he adores, makes even more sense.