Bowen Yang has confirmed that he will exit Saturday Night Live after this weekend’s mid-season episode, closing a six-year chapter on NBC’s flagship sketch comedy series. The Emmy-nominated performer shared an emotional farewell message on Instagram hours before the broadcast, thanking colleagues, fans, and host Ariana Grande for helping mark his final night at Studio 8H.
Yang’s departure follows multiple cast changes during SNL’s 51st season. Several performers left before the October premiere, and Yang is the latest to transition away from the long-running show. His exit reflects a broader pattern of mid-season departures, particularly around the show’s annual holiday episode.
Emotional farewell sparks fan response
Yang wrote that he “loved working at SNL, and most of all I loved the people,” adding that the experience taught him to show up even when the world “started to seem futile.” He expressed gratitude for friendships built in the halls of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, acknowledging cast members, writers, hosts, crew, pages and audiences.
He humorously reflected on lessons learned, including “bad with wigs,” before thanking Grande for “sending me off in the dreamiest way I could imagine.” Grande will host and perform during Yang’s final episode, marking a full-circle moment following their shared work in the Wicked: For Good film.
Yang also thanked executive producer Lorne Michaels “for the standard, and for bringing everyone at work together,” referencing Michaels’ famous quote about live television: “The show doesn’t go on because it’s ready, it goes on because it’s 11:30.” Yang echoed the sentiment, adding, “I hope I am [ready].”
A notable SNL tenure
Yang joined SNL as a writer before becoming a featured player, rising quickly to repertory status. Across his run, he earned four Emmy nominations as a performer and one as a writer—the only ensemble member nominated since 2022. His characters, impressions, and digital short contributions made him a standout favorite.
Yang’s exit arrives during a transition period for SNL, echoing previous holiday departures from Cecily Strong (2022) and earlier mid-season exits from Norm MacDonald, Dana Carvey, Eddie Murphy and Molly Shannon.
What comes next
In recent months, Yang has expanded his on-screen presence, appearing in a remake of The Wedding Banquet alongside Lily Gladstone and Kelly Marie Tran, and in Prime Video’s Overcompensating. Earlier in 2025, he told People he viewed the show as “living, breathing” but expressed excitement about moving into new phases of life and career.
Fans continue sharing support in the post’s comments, calling his exit bittersweet and celebrating his achievements. Many expressed hope he will return to host in the future.
For now, Yang prepares for his final bow on the Studio 8H stage—a moment that will mark the conclusion of a significant era in his career and a milestone in SNL’s ever-evolving cast history.
