Bowen Yang breaks silence on shock midseason SNL exit

Bowen Yang has publicly acknowledged his departure from Saturday Night Live, ending seven seasons with the NBC sketch series. The 35-year-old comedian will make his final appearance this Saturday on the episode hosted by his Wicked co-star Ariana Grande, with Cher set to perform as the musical guest. Yang confirmed the news in a heartfelt Instagram post, saying he loved working at SNL and, above all, the people who make the show what it is. He described his time at 30 Rock as a period of learning and growth, noting he was there when “many things in the world started to seem futile,” but that showing up for the team made the work worthwhile.

The departure comes amid a broader upheaval at SNL, with a string of cast exits ahead of the 2025 season described by insiders as a chaotic “bloodbath.” Yang joined SNL as a writer in 2018 and was promoted to the cast for Season 45, earning repertory status ahead of Season 47 and quickly becoming one of the show’s standout performers. His exit follows a summer exodus after Season 50 that saw Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, and Emil Wakim leave the cast.

In his post, Yang offered thanks to countless colleagues and collaborators, from fellow cast members to writers, crew, and guests. He listed names of people who helped shape his experience, ranging from colleagues who shaped sketches to those who supported him behind the scenes. He also singled out Ari for the send-off and thanked Lorne Michaels for “the job” and for helping keep the show together. “The show doesn’t go on because it’s ready, but s-iiiiit, I hope I am,” he wrote in part, a line that captured both his affection for the show and the bittersweet nature of the moment.

The sentimental farewell follows Yang’s prior hints that a future beyond SNL could be on the horizon. In September, he discussed a heart-to-heart with Lorne Michaels, recalling that Michaels told him, “You have more to do.” Yang has since acknowledged that the audience’s reception sits at the core of any future projects, and the timing of Wicked’s success has underscored his plans to pursue stand-up and film opportunities outside SNL. A Daily Mail source noted that Yang was prepared to leave earlier but agreed to stay for the current season at Michaels’ request, with plans to step away when the moment felt right to pursue broader opportunities.

Beyond SNL, Yang has built a substantial profile in entertainment. He is a co-host of the popular podcast Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers, a show that helped propel his profile in pop culture circles. On screen, he has appeared in projects including Fire Island (2022) and Dicks: The Musical (2023), and he has joined the Wicked universe with Wicked and Wicked: For Good. His film and television work reflect a versatility that observers note could translate well to a broader slate of projects as he moves forward. His nominations for Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025, underscored the critical recognition he earned during his tenure on the show.

The wave of departures at SNL has been a recurring topic of discussion, with observers noting that the shakeups are part of a broader effort to re-energize the long-running program. In addition to Yang’s exit, the cast overhaul has included midseason moves such as Cecily Strong’s surprise departure in 2022 during Season 48 and other changes that have reshaped the ensemble. Some insiders have tied the broader turnover to strategic shifts, including talks of a potential SNL UK spinoff in 2026, with Lorne Michaels aiming to preserve the original series as the benchmark while refreshing the lineup. An insider cited by the Daily Mail suggested Michaels wants to inject renewed energy into the show to ensure it remains funny and groundbreaking for years to come.

As Yang prepares to close this chapter, the question turns to what comes next for him and for SNL. The show’s current roster remains anchored by veteran figures such as Kenan Thompson, Chloe Fineman, Mikey Day, and Weekend Update anchors Michael Che and Colin Jost, alongside a mix of established players and new faces. The weekend episode, featuring Grande and Cher, will mark a significant moment in the show’s ongoing evolution, illustrating the delicate balance SNL strikes between honoring its history and embracing new talent. For Yang, the weekend may serve as a high note from which to launch the next phase of his career, leveraging his broad appeal in comedy, music, and film to pursue opportunities beyond the 30 Rock stage.