The 2013 season of Saturday Night Live brought a blend of established stars and fresh talent to NBC. Viewers tuned in for sharp political satire, viral digital shorts, and memorable character work that defined that year in comedy.
Cast changes, new hires, and recurring performers shaped the show’s identity in 2013. The following profile captures who was on board and how they contributed to the season’s dynamic.
| Cast Member | Joined Season | Notable Characters or Sketches | Digital Short Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanessa Bayer | 2010 | Hospital patient, various Weekend Update bits | Featured performer |
| Beck Bennett | 2013 | Political impressions, original characters | Featured performer |
| Kate McKinnon | 2012 | Germaine, aggressive political commentators | Featured performer |
| Jay Pharoah | 2010 | President Obama impressions, school hallway sketches | Featured performer |
| Melissa Fumero | 2013 | Everygirl characters, Weekend Update voiceovers | Featured performer |
| John Milhiser | 2013 | Awkward social scenarios, exaggerated delivery guy | Featured performer |
| Kyle Mooney | 2013 | Eccentric teenager roles, surreal sketches | Featured performer |
| Ben Schwartz | 2011 | Street interviews, confident commentator bits | Featured performer |
New Faces Joining SNL in 2013
Beck Bennett and Melissa Fumero
Beck Bennett and Melissa Fumero entered the SNL cast in 2013, bringing distinct comedic instincts. Bennett impressed with precise political impressions and confidently bland everyman characters. Fumero contributed sharp vocal work in Weekend Update and grounded emotional beats in scripted sketches.
Kyle Mooney and John Milhiser
Kyle Mooney quickly earned attention for fearless, offbeat choices in surreal scenarios. John Milhiser built a following through exaggerated delivery and relatable social awkwardness, turning everyday encounters into recurring gags.
Digital Shorts and Musical Performances
Viral Sketch Momentum
Digital shorts during the 2013 season amplified the cast’s reach, with strong ensemble chemistry on display. Mooney and Bennett frequently anchored intricate narratives that extended beyond the original broadcast into social media trends.
Hosting and Musical Guests
Host choices paired with musical guests created dynamic sketches that showcased cast versatility. Strong interplay between musical performers and featured cast members highlighted the writers’ ability to blend parody with original song structures.
Continuity and Change in the Cast
Balancing Legacy and Fresh Talent
Season 2013 maintained familiar Weekend Update rhythms while integrating new perspectives. Veteran presence helped guide newer members, ensuring that evolving character portfolios did not sacrifice the quick, adaptive style SNL is known for.
Key Takeaways from SNL 2013 Cast
- Beck Bennett and Melissa Fumero strengthened political and character work from their first year.
- Kyle Mooney’s boundary-pushing digital shorts performances defined much of the season’s online buzz.
- John Milhiser turned awkward social moments into recurring, audience-favorite sketches.
- The 2013 cohort balanced legacy cast guidance with bold, original choices that kept the show relevant.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which cast members debuted on SNL in 2013?
Beck Bennett, Melissa Fumero, John Milhiser, and Kyle Mooney all joined the cast in 2013, expanding the show’s pool of performers and creative voices.
How did the 2013 cast contribute to Digital Short success? By committing fully to intricate storylines and tight comic timing, the cast helped digital shorts evolve into signature viral moments that extended the show’s cultural footprint. What roles did new cast members play in Weekend Update?
Fumero and Bennett frequently appeared in political segments, delivering rapid-fire impressions and commentary that kept the news parody fresh and tightly written.
Did any 2013 cast members appear in recurring characters beyond sketches?
Yes, Milhiser’s everyday exaggeration and Mooney’s eccentric teen portrayals became recurring signatures, giving audiences dependable, recognizable beats week after week.