'SNL' Makes Leslie Jones a Full Castmember

In her few short "Weekend Update" appearances, writer Leslie Jones has become the talk of Saturday Night Live. When the show returns next weekend, Jones' name will be among the opening credits as a castmember. Deadline announced on Monday that Jones has been promoted to a featured player on SNL, with her first episode coming on Oct. 25. SNL confirmed the news shortly after by tweeting Deadline's article.

Welcome to the cast, @Lesdoggg!! http://t.co/r6XVUu78bg #SNL
— Saturday Night Live (@nbcsnl) October 20, 2014

SNL fans shouldn't be surprised that Jones was bumped up to castmember status. Not only was she earning buzz for her "Weekend Update" bits, but she was also already appearing in sketches like last episode's "39 Cents." In my recap of Bill Hader's episode, I wrote: "Speaking of Jones, when does SNL make her a full castmember?" Now I have my answer.

SNL returns this Saturday with Jim Carrey hosting.