Bowen Yang Exits SNL Midseason After Historic Seven-Year Run

Comedian Bowen Yang is leaving Saturday Night Live. His final episode airs this weekend. He will depart midway through the show’s 51st season.

According to reports, his last show is December 20. The episode is hosted by his “Wicked” co-star Ariana Grande. Cher will perform as the musical guest.

Yang joined the NBC sketch show as a writer in 2018. He was promoted to the cast the following year. He became a repertory player in 2021.

His exit coincides with a major transition period for SNL. Creator Lorne Michaels recently oversaw a significant cast shake-up. The changes followed the show’s 50th-anniversary celebrations.

A Decision Months in the Making

In a September interview with People, Yang hinted at his departure. He said he had been weighing whether it was time to move on. He felt creatively fulfilled but had concerns.

Yang acknowledged worrying audiences might be tired of him. He discussed this with executive producer Lorne Michaels. Michaels encouraged him to stay, stating there was more for him to do on the show.

Understanding the SNL Midseason Departure

Leaving SNL midseason is uncommon but not unprecedented. Several notable cast members have done the same. Cecily Strong and Molly Shannon are recent examples.

Yang’s career outside the show has expanded rapidly. He co-hosts the popular “Las Culturistas” podcast. His film and television roles have grown significantly.

He appeared in the film “Wicked” and its upcoming sequel. He also starred in “The Wedding Banquet.” Yang is set to voice a role in an animated “Cat in the Hat” adaptation.

His tenure on SNL was historic. He earned multiple Primetime Emmy nominations. Yang was the first featured player to get a supporting actor Emmy nod.

Bowen Yang’s SNL exit marks the end of a groundbreaking six-and-a-half-season run. It closes a chapter for one of the show’s most celebrated modern cast members during a clear period of renewal for the long-running series.