Kenan Thompson leaving 'SNL' after upcoming season

NEW YORK, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Kenan Thompson is leaving Saturday Night Live after the show's upcoming 40th season.

TMZ reports the 36-year-old comedian is reportedly in talks to star in a new show and plans to move to Los Angeles with his wife and daughter.

Thompson has starred on the late night comedy series since 2003, making him the most tenured African-American cast member on the show. He reportedly wanted to leave SNL after last season, but was persuaded to stay on by series creator Lorne Michaels.

News of Thompson's departure comes weeks after it was announced that former cast member Darrell Hammond will return to show as announcer following the death of longtime announcer Don Pardo in August.

NBC also announced last month that comedian Michael Che would replace Cecily Strong as co-anchor for "Weekend Update" in the upcoming season of the show. Strong took over the news segment alongside writer Colin Jost after Seth Meyers left the show one year ago.

SNL returns to the small screen for its 40th season on Sept. 27 with Chris Pratt as host and Ariana Grande as musical guest.