Bowen Yang will leave the long-running sketch comedy show mid-season after Saturday’s episode hosted by Ariana Grande.
Bowen Yang’s Mid-Season Exit
The 35-year-old comedian, who has been a fan favorite with five Emmy nominations, will depart the show following the episode that aired on Saturday. The announcement came after Yang appeared with Grande and musical guest Cher in promos for the episode, where he went giddy with Grande after a face slap from Cher.
The Path to the Main Cast
Yang began his journey with the program as a writer in 2018. He became a featured player the next season and was promoted to the main cast two seasons later. Over the years, he has become known for his sharp timing and willingness to tackle a wide range of characters.
The Announcement and Instagram Reflection
In an Instagram post on Saturday, Yang wrote: “i loved working at SNL, and most of all i loved the people. i was there at a time when many things in the world started to seem futile, but working at 30 rock taught me the value in showing up anyway when people make it worthwhile.” The post underscored his affection for the cast and crew, as well as his belief that the show remains worthwhile despite broader uncertainties.
Cast Exodus and Context
Word of Yang’s departure surfaced after a major exodus of cast members last summer ahead of the Oct. 4 start of Season 51. The departures included Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, Emil Wakim and John Higgins. Yang had publicly discussed the idea in September with NBC’s creator Lorne Michaels, who gave him a vote of confidence. Yang said, “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,'” and added, “That man has changed my life, and I owe a lot of my life to that show. And I love working there. The people are the best. I really love each of them so much.”
Yang’s Reflections on SNL and Future
Yang’s comments reflect a broader perspective on his career. He noted that work, “is not the most meaningful thing for me anymore. The things I like are spending time with friends, working every now and then, not being caged by it.” He also recalled advice from Kristen Wiig when she hosted the show: “She was like, ‘Have fun. It’s the most fun job in the world, and you’ll miss it when it’s done. You won’t realize how much you miss it until you leave.'”
Beyond the Sketch Show
Outside of SNL, Yang co-hosts the pop culture podcast “Las Culturistas” with friend and fellow comedian Matt Rogers. The pair hosted the spoof Las Culturista Culture Awards on Bravo last summer and announced they will return next year for more pop culture comedy. Yang has also appeared in “Wicked” and “Wicked: For Good” as Pfannee, co-starred in the remade “The Wedding Banquet” this year, and performed in “Dicks: The Musical” (2023) and “Fire Island” (2022). From 2020 to 2023, he co-starred in “Awkwafina is Nora from Queens.”
Notable Bits and Legacy
Yang earned breakout status with several memorable bits. In an October interview with Esquire, he cited his role as the Titanic iceberg on the recurring “Weekend Update” segment as his favorite place on the show. Other notable characters include George Santos, a straight man who hooks up with Gina Gershon and Sydney Sweeney, a gay Oompa Loompa, and a spoof of Vice President JD Vance. Esquire’s recent cover featured Yang as a son of Chinese immigrants, and in the accompanying interview he said, “There’s an idea that all of what I do is queer and Asian, which I don’t think is true. I get sick of people reducing the work I do on the show to those identifiers.”
Key Takeaways
- Bowen Yang will leave SNL mid-season after the Ariana Grande episode.
- He has been a writer, featured player, and main cast member since 2018.
- The decision follows a summer cast exodus and was discussed with Lorne Michaels.
- Yang remains active in podcasting, film, and television projects.
- His iconic bits include the Titanic iceberg, George Santos, and a Vice President spoof.
Bowen Yang’s exit marks the end of a prolific chapter for the comedian, but his future projects and continued presence in pop culture suggest he will remain a significant voice in comedy beyond the sketch show.
