'SNL' Drops Sanz, Parnell, Mitchell

Comedians Chris Parnell, Horatio Sanz and Finesse Mitchell are not returning for the 32nd season of "Saturday Night Live," the network announced yesterday. A rep for the show confirmed to The ShowBuzz that the three were let go from the lineup.

According to The New York Times, the news comes as many institutions at NBC have been asked to cut budgets. Last season's cast of 16 not-ready-for-primetime-players was cut to 11 for season 32, the smallest cast since 1997 according to the Times.

NBC announced that Fred Armisen, Will Forte, Bill Hader, Darrell Hammond, Seth Meyers, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Andy Samberg, Jason Sudeikis, Kenan Thompson and Kristen Wiig will return as repertory cast members. No new cast members were added to the line-up.

Poehler will be back in the "Weekend Update" chair alongside Meyers, who is also one of the show's head writers.

"I have decided to not return to 'Saturday Night Live' this season. I wish the best to everyone at the show and expect them to have a great season," Sanz said in a message posted on his MySpace page. "It's been a wonderful eight years and I am grateful for all the friends I was able to make and all the great people I had the pleasure of working with … I look forward to making you laugh in the future, and hopefully not behind the counter at Burger King!"

Parnell has appeared on "SNL" since 1998, Mitchell since 2003.

Also absent from the line-up were Tina Fey and Rachel Dratch, who are busy working on their new NBC series "30 Rock." Fey confirmed during a "Tonight Show" appearance in July that she would not be returning to the late night show for its 2006-2007 season.

Sept. 30's season premiere will be hosted by comedian and "Employee of the Month" star Dane Cook, marking his second hosting gig. The Killers are the musical guest, and will perform songs from their sophomore album, "Sam's Town."

By Amy Bonawitz