Saturday Night Live is already pretty unbearable, but one of the reasons I tune in is to see Will Forte! And he’s just announced that he won’t be returning for the next season (which will be it’s 36th!).

“After eight great seasons, Will has made the decision to move on from SNL to pursue new opportunities,” Forte’s rep said. “He is eternally grateful to Lorne and all of the incredible people he worked with over the years.”

Forte is second only to Kristen Wiig (if she ever leaves, I’m OUT). I’m totally bummed he’s leaving!

Forte joined the sketch show back in 2002. Of his many memorable characters – MacGruber is probably the best known, considering it was turned into a feature film (that flopped).

A Forte-free SNL premieres it’s new season on NBC, on September 25th.

Pictured: The Fringe’s Anna Troy (in one of the most beautiful dresses of the night), Jennifer Love Hewitt and boyfriend Jamie Kennedy,  Ginnifer Goodwin, Jamie Lynn Sigler, Amy Poehler and husband Will Forte, Kevin Bacon and wife Kyra Sedgwick.

Bauer Griffin, Fame