Bowen Yang, the quick‑witted comedian who has become a staple of Saturday Night Live’s sketch lineup, has confirmed that he will leave the show in the middle of his eighth season. The announcement comes after the Dec. 20 episode, which featured Ariana Grande as host and Cher as musical guest. Yang’s exit, as reported by TODAY.com, marks the end of a career that began as a writer in 2018 and evolved into a full‑time cast member. Fans and colleagues alike are taking note of the timing and the reasons behind his decision.
Departure Announcement
Yang’s departure will take effect mid‑season, following the Dec. 20 broadcast. The episode, which showcased his “Wicked” franchise co‑star Ariana Grande and pop icon Cher, was the last SNL appearance before the comedian steps away. TODAY.com reached out to Yang’s representative and the show’s production team for comments, but no official statement has yet been released. The decision to leave at this point comes as the show enters its 51st season.
Career Timeline
Yang joined Saturday Night Live as a writer in 2018, a role that allowed him to hone his comedic voice behind the scenes. The following year, he was promoted to on‑air featured player for Season 45, giving audiences his first on‑stage performances. In Season 47, Yang earned a spot in the main cast, solidifying his status as a regular performer. Over the course of eight seasons, he has become known for his versatility and memorable sketches.
Recent Cast Changes
Yang’s exit follows a wave of departures that occurred roughly three months earlier. In September, cast members Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker and Emil Wakim, along with writer John Higgins, all left the show. These exits marked a significant shift in the SNL lineup. Yang’s decision to stay for one more season after those departures was revealed in an interview with People earlier that month.
Conversation with Lorne Michaels
In that interview, Yang explained that his decision to remain was influenced by a discussion with SNL creator Lorne Michaels. “I’ve always gone by the instinct of, do I have more to do? And I feel like I do,” Yang told the outlet. He added, “Even Lorne and I talked about it, and Lorne was like, ‘You have more to do,’ and that means a lot, because I even confessed to him. I was like, ‘I feel the audience is maybe getting sick of me.’ And he was like, ‘That’s not true. There’s more for you to do. I need you.’” Yang said he felt compelled to honor Michaels’ wishes, noting that the producer has changed his life and that he loves working with the cast.
Yang’s Reflections on SNL
Yang has described his time on the show as a boot camp for young entertainers, a place that prepares them for the next phase of their careers. “It’s always a transitional place, and I think it is always a launching pad,” he said. He also highlighted his versatility, citing moments such as the iceberg that sank the Titanic sketch and the Moo Deng segment at the Weekend Update desk. Yang expressed excitement about the new cast, saying, “I’m so excited to see what they do. I’m excited for the new cast.”
Legacy and Future
The comedian’s departure will leave a gap in the SNL ensemble, but his impact on the show’s humor and culture remains evident. Fans will miss his quick wit and the variety of characters he brought to life. Yang’s reflection on the show’s role as a launching pad suggests that he will continue to influence the comedy world in new ways. The announcement first appeared on TODAY.com, with additional stories about other news topics following.
Key Takeaways
- Bowen Yang will leave SNL mid‑season 8 after the Dec. 20 episode featuring Ariana Grande and Cher.
- He began as a writer in 2018, became a featured player in Season 45, and joined the main cast in Season 47.
- Yang’s decision to stay one more season was shaped by a conversation with creator Lorne Michaels, who encouraged him to continue.
Bowen Yang’s exit marks the end of a significant chapter for Saturday Night Live, but his legacy as a versatile performer and his influence on the next generation of comedians will endure. Fans and colleagues will undoubtedly watch his future projects with interest, as he steps away from the iconic sketch show that has defined much of his career.
