'SNL' just added 3 new comedians, including the show's first-ever Asian American cast member

• "Saturday Night Live" announced on Thursday that three new cast members would join the show's 45th season.
• The new additions including Chloe Fineman and Shane Gillis, as well as Bowen Yang, an "SNL" writer and the show's first Asian American full-time cast member.
• The 45th season of "SNL" premieres on September 28.
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"Saturday Night Live" on Thursday announced three new hires ahead of season 45, including the show's first-ever Asian cast member.

Bowen Yang, who joined the late-night sketch-comedy series as a staff writer last season, will become a featured player this fall. He made his unofficial debut back in March when he appeared as North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un opposite host Sandra Oh.

In addition to Yang, "SNL" has recruited Groundlings performer Chloe Fineman and fellow comedian Shane Gillis. Both will serve as featured players as well. All three performers join the show in the wake of a significant exit: three-time Emmy nominee Leslie Jones recently announced that she would depart the series after five seasons.

Read more:Leslie Jones is reportedly leaving 'Saturday Night Live' after starring on the show for 5 seasons

Yang, Fineman and Ellis join returning cast members Beck Bennett, Aidy Bryant, Michael Che, Pete Davidson, Colin Jost, Kyle Mooney, Cecily Strong, Kenan Thompson, Mikey Day, Heidi Gardner, Alex Moffat, Chris Redd, Melissa Villaseñor, Ego Nwodim and Kate McKinnon (who recently inked a new one-year deal).

"SNL" season 45 launches Saturday, Sept. 28 (NBC, 11:30/10:30c) with host Woody Harrelson and musical guest Billie Eilish. Also on tap this fall are Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Taylor Swift (on Oct. 5), David Harbour and Camila Cabello (on Oct. 12), Kristen Stewart (on Nov. 2) and Eddie Murphy (on Dec. 21).

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