“Kenan Thompson Sounds Off on SNL Exit Rumors: Him or Lorne Michaels — Who Bows Out First?”

Kenan Thompson has no intention of staging his final act on Saturday Night Live in the foreseeable future.

The 46-year-old comedian – holding the distinction as the program’s most seasoned performer – disclosed his determination to remain at Studio 8H while pursuing additional achievements before considering departure.

“Wouldn’t it be wild if I became the permanent fixture here?” Thompson posed to Entertainment Weekly.

Since joining the NBC comedy institution in 2003, Thompson has completed 22 seasons, earning five Emmy nominations and securing a 2018 win for co-authoring the “Come Back, Barack” sketch.

Nearly four years after expressing ambitions to reach 20 seasons, the veteran cast member now eyes more ambitious targets.

“The ultimate goal would be becoming the eternal cast member – indefinitely embedded in the show’s framework,” he explained. “Thirty seasons sounds impressive, but twenty felt genuinely groundbreaking since no one had previously achieved it.”

“When I approached season 17, that twenty-season milestone started feeling attainable,” Thompson continued. “Now we’re at 22, leaving future possibilities wide open.”

When questioned whether he or creator Lorne Michaels would depart first, Thompson pondered: “That’s the million-dollar question. We’ll likely both continue until circumstances dictate otherwise.”

The comedy veteran previously told PEOPLE the sketch series offers unparalleled opportunities in television.

“Most cast members typically stay eight to twelve seasons – this experience remains unique,” he noted in January. “When this institution summons you, refusing would defy logic. It’s been an extraordinary privilege maintaining consistent creative work.””