Bowen Yang Breaks Silence on Leaving SNL After Seven Seasons

Bowen Yang confirmed on Saturday that he is leaving Saturday Night Live after seven seasons, marking the end of a run that began in 2019. In an Instagram post, the 35-year-old comedian thanked colleagues and fans, saying he "loved working at SNL, and most of all i loved the people," and that working at 30 Rock taught him to "show up anyway when people make it worthwhile." He said he was grateful for every minute of his time there and teased that he had learned about himself and others, noting "bad with wigs" and discovering "generous, vulnerable, hot." Yang also shared behind-the-scenes photos and confirmed he would depart after this season’s Christmas episode, which will feature Ariana Grande as host and Cher as the musical guest.

Yang’s post confirms a decision that insiders described as his own, rather than a sudden firing or forced exit. An insider told The Post that this has "come out of the blue, but is no surprise," and that, ultimately, "it’s his choice." The piece notes that Yang had discussed leaving after season 50, and that Michaels and NBC reportedly persuaded him to stay for a time, even offering a significant pay bump to extend his tenure.

Yang’s departure follows a broader round of cast turnover at SNL ahead of season 51. Earlier this year, several cast members, including Heidi Gardner and Ego Nwodim, exited the show before the Oct. 4 premiere. The note indicates that Yang had been telling friends he planned to spend time in Japan and that the decision had been in the works for months.

Off the show, Yang has kept a busy schedule. He has co-hosted the popular Las Culturistas podcast with Matt Rogers since 2016, and the duo launched the Las Culturistas Awards on Peacock. Grande and Yang have intersected professionally in recent years as well; Grande appeared on Yang’s podcast in 2023 and had publicly hoped he would play Pfannee in Wicked, even reaching out to Michaels to make it work with the SNL schedule. Grande later said she was thrilled he could be involved, remarking that he “exhausted himself and worked yourself to the bone.”

Yang reflected on his time at SNL in interviews last year, telling People that the show is a "growing, living thing where new people come in" and that taking the next steps often requires artists to "hang it up at some point." He acknowledged the challenge of making room for rising stars while maintaining a place for themselves, a sentiment that aligns with his decision to move on. The departure is notable for a performer who grew from a featured player to a recognizable voice on a major late-night stage, as he also built a following through roles outside SNL.

As SNL moves deeper into its current season, Yang’s exit underscores ongoing turnover in a program that has long balanced evolving talent with a familiar anchor. The Christmas broadcast is expected to be a momentary farewell for Yang as he transitions to new opportunities and possibly more time on projects like Las Culturistas. Fans will be watching how the show adapts in the wake of his departure, along with the performances of remaining cast members and any surprise appearances that may follow.