Saturday Night Live (season 30)
The thirtieth season of "Saturday Night Live", an American sketch comedy series, originally aired in the United States on NBC between October 2, 2004, and May 21, 2005. History. This season was notable for a lip-syncing gaffe by Ashlee Simpson during her second performance (on the episode hosted by Jude Law). This season was also home to many sketches focused on the 2004 U.S. Presidential election, but, unlike the 2000 election (and later, the elections for 2008 and 2016), there was little to no media coverage about the sketches. Cast. Before the start of  this season, Jimmy Fallon left the show. In the wake of his departure, Fred Armisen was promoted to repertory status, while Finesse Mitchell and Kenan Thompson remained featured players. New cast members this season included Rob Riggle, an improv comedian (at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater) and U.S. Marine (making him the first and, , only "SNL" cast member to serve in the Marines). This would also be Riggle's only season on the show. In addition, "SNL" writer Jason Sudeikis (who appeared in many bit roles before joining the cast) joined the cast as a featured player for the last  three episodes of the season. With Fallon gone, Amy Poehler became Tina Fey's co-anchor on Weekend Update, making Fey and Poehler the first and, through at least season 46, only two-woman anchor team. Cast. Repertory players Featured players Writers. Near the end of the season, writer Jason Sudeikis left the writing staff to join the cast. Episodes. <onlyinclude></onlyinclude>