Bowen Yang has officially announced his departure from ‘Saturday Night Live’ (SNL) during the 51st season. The 35-year-old actor confirmed his exit on December 20, 2022, just before the show’s Christmas episode. Yang joined the SNL cast in 2019 and has been a prominent figure on the show for seven seasons.
Reasons Behind Bowen Yang’s Departure from SNL
In a recent episode of his podcast ‘Las Culturistas’, Yang discussed the motivations behind his decision. He emphasized that it was simply “time” for him to move on. He stated, “You would do seven seasons, and then you would scoot.” Yang reflected on the turbulent nature of the current entertainment landscape, noting that while some have valid reasons to stay longer, he felt fortunate to leave on his own terms.
Emotional Farewell
- Yang experienced a heartfelt send-off during the winter finale.
- The episode featured a meta sketch where he played an airport employee on his final shift.
- Musical guest Cher and host Ariana Grande, his co-star from ‘Wicked,’ participated in the episode.
In his farewell sketch, Yang expressed deep emotions, especially when delivering lines about loving his colleagues. He recounted feeling overwhelmed as he became tearful during a read-through. This sentiment highlights the close bonds formed during his time on SNL.
Changes to the Farewell Sketch
While the sketch was originally intended to be comedic, SNL creator Lorne Michaels suggested focusing on the emotional aspects. Yang mentioned that he wished more cast members could have joined in for the farewell. Despite the changes, he found the experience profoundly moving.
Reflections on His Time at SNL
Following his departure, Yang shared his feelings on the podcast. He described his journey as an emotional rollercoaster, recognizing how working on the show has affected him. Yang noted a significant moment with Amy Poehler earlier in the season when she reassured him that they were all waiting for him “on the other side.”
In his Instagram post announcing his exit, Yang expressed gratitude for the experience and the lessons learned. He remarked that despite the challenges, the value of showing up remains important. Yang’s departure paves the way for new cast dynamics as SNL prepares for its upcoming episodes.
SNL’s Future
Looking ahead, ‘Saturday Night Live’ will return for its first episode of 2026 on January 17, featuring host Finn Wolfhard. Yang’s exit marks a significant change for the show, reflecting the evolving landscape of late-night television.
