Bowen Yang, who has had a successful run with various projects, is set to leave Saturday Night Live in the middle of the season following tonight’s episode hosted by singer Ariana Grande, his colleague from Wicked. Yang initially joined the show as a writer in 2018, later transitioning to a featured player and eventually a main cast member two seasons later. Known as a beloved figure among fans, Yang has received five Emmy nominations during his tenure on the show.
While an official statement from an SNL representative regarding Yang’s departure has not been provided, his own representatives have remained silent on the matter. Yang himself expressed his sentiments in an Instagram post on Saturday, emphasizing his fondness for the show and its people, highlighting the importance of perseverance during challenging times.
This departure in the middle of the season mirrors past instances, such as Cecily Strong’s exit in December 2022. Yang, aged 35, recently featured in promotional content for the upcoming episode alongside Grande and musical guest Cher, showcasing a light-hearted moment with the iconic singer.
The news of Yang’s exit comes following a wave of departures from the show over the summer, including Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, and John Higgins. Notably, Yang had previously mentioned the possibility of leaving, as disclosed in an interview with People magazine in September where he deliberated the decision with the show’s creator, Lorne Michaels.
In addition to his work on Saturday Night Live, Yang co-hosts the podcast Las Culturistas with fellow comedian Matt Rogers. Born to Chinese immigrants in Australia and raised in Canada, Yang holds both American and Canadian citizenship. Despite his professional achievements, Yang has expressed a desire to prioritize personal connections and freedom outside of work, as shared in a recent interview with Esquire.
Overall, as Yang bids farewell to SNL, his departure marks a significant transition for the show’s cast and fans alike.