Saturday Night Live has shocked fans by axing two of their most prominent stars.  Both Taran Killam and Jay Pharoah will not be returning to the sketch comedy show this fall.

Both actors joined the cast in 2010, with Pharoah showcasing his superb imitation skills and Killam filling a void left by former cast member Will Ferrell.

SNL has offered no reason as to why the pair were cut. Even Killam, who signed a seven year deal, could not give the masses a reason why he was let go.

He told Uproxx:

I was there for six years. I have not been anywhere in my life for six years. I don’t know that the end of something that you’ve committed that much time and energy to is ever going to feel “great” … You sign for seven years, so I had one more year. I had sort of had it in my head I would make this upcoming year my last year, but then heard they weren’t going to pick up my contract. I was never given a reason why, really. I can assume until the cows come home.

No word on whether or not SNL will be hiring new actors for its 42 season.