In a surprising mid-season move, acclaimed comedian and actor Bowen Yang is departing from the long-running sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live (SNL). His final appearance as a regular cast member will be on the episode airing this Saturday, 21st December.
A Star-Studded Final Bow
The episode marking Yang's exit will be hosted by his Wicked co-star Ariana Grande, with music legend Cher as the musical guest. Representatives for both Yang and SNL have chosen not to comment publicly on the reasons behind his departure. This exit is notable as it occurs during the ongoing Season 51, which premiered on 4th October.
Yang's journey on SNL began in 2018 when he joined as a writer for Season 44. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a featured player in Season 45 and earning a promotion to the main cast by Season 47. His tenure was distinguished by critical acclaim, resulting in multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025.
A Wave of Cast Changes and Fan Reactions
Yang's departure is part of a larger reshuffling of the SNL cast. Before Season 51 began, several other regulars including Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, and Emil Wakim had already left the show. While it is uncommon for a cast member to exit while a season is in progress, it is not without precedent. Past stars like Cecily Strong, Molly Shannon, Dana Carvey, and Eddie Murphy have also made mid-season exits.
The news sparked immediate reactions from fans on social media. Many expressed sadness and praised Yang's unique contributions. One fan wrote about missing his "incredible character work," while another called his leaving a "gut punch," wondering who would deliver iconic Weekend Update segments. Others highlighted his boundary-pushing sketches, from the iceberg commentary to his portrayal of George Santos, and expressed excitement for his burgeoning film career.
Breaking Ground and Building a Legacy
Bowen Yang carved a unique space for himself on SNL as one of its most recognizable performers. He made history as the first Chinese-American cast member and was among the earliest openly gay stars on the programme. His range of original characters and sharp impressions made him a standout.
Beyond SNL, Yang has cultivated a diverse career. He co-hosts the popular pop culture podcast Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers, which now hosts a broadcast awards show. His screen work includes the TV series Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens and films like Fire Island and Dicks: The Musical. He also appears in the Wicked film adaptations and the 2025 movie The Wedding Banquet.
Despite this significant exit, SNL continues with Season 51, blending experienced players with new talent. The show has recently added fresh faces like Ben Marshall, Veronika Slowikowska, Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, and Kam Patterson to its roster, ensuring the legendary sketch show evolves with its latest ensemble.
