I think it'll be a few years before SNL is hitting a decent stride again. When you go from a cast that looks like this:
To this:
In 3ish years, you lose a lot of different looking characters IMO. That plus since 2022 they've lost Redd, Bryant, Mackinnon, Strong, Mooney, Moffat, Davidson, Villasenor... it's been a big turnover. It'll take a while and a few different cycles of people before you hit that sort of group again. I'm sure Thompson will be leaving soon, at least in front of the camera (Although it seems like he can just walk into any sketch he wants for a few seconds, collect his cheque and not do much else. Which is totally fine).
I'm also surprised that Marshall is a "featured player" and not full cast. The guy has been on the show forever already. Just give him full cast. I feel like Slowikowska was brought in specifically to play Melania (although she does appear to be the best of the new people IMO). I also think Patterson is brought in off his popularity with Kill Tony, but I've never found him very funny.
For better or worse I'm always an enjoyer of SNL and respect the effort the show requires to put together even when it's bad. But I recognize we're probably in for a good lull here. Just seem to be some strange decisions being made IMO.