Andy Samberg recently opened up about his decision to leave Saturday Night Live (SNL) and the toll it took on him. Samberg, along with his Lonely Island bandmates, Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer, joined SNL in 2005 and gained popularity for their viral digital shorts.
In a recent interview on Kevin Hart's show, Samberg shared that SNL had been a lifelong dream for him. However, after five years of creating digital shorts, his bandmates left the show, leaving him in charge of the production. Samberg expressed that the collaborative dynamic with Taccone and Schaffer was essential to their creative process.
The demanding schedule at SNL eventually led Samberg to leave the show in 2012. He described the grueling routine of writing, shooting, and editing content throughout the week, which took a significant toll on his physical and emotional well-being. Samberg admitted that he had not slept properly in seven years due to the intense workload.
Despite being asked to stay on SNL, Samberg made the difficult decision to prioritize his mental and physical health. He consulted with former cast members, such as Amy Poehler, who had also experienced burnout from the show's demanding schedule.
Reflecting on his departure, Samberg acknowledged the challenges of leaving behind the fast-paced environment of SNL but emphasized the importance of prioritizing his well-being. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to pursue other projects and acknowledged that the decision to leave was not easy.
Samberg's interview on Hart to Heart provides insight into the pressures faced by cast members on SNL and the impact of the show's demanding schedule on their overall health. The interview is now available for streaming, offering fans a deeper understanding of Samberg's decision to depart from SNL.
