Beloved SNL cast member Bowen Yang is set to make his final appearance on the long-running sketch show this Saturday. The comedian, who joined as a cast member in 2019 after starting as a writer, will bow out during the episode hosted by his Wicked co-star Ariana Grande. While the exact reason remains unclear, his departure adds to a wave of exits this season.
Oh honey, the SNL shakeup just got even messier! 🔥 Bowen Yang, the trailblazing comedian who's been serving iconic sketches since 2019, is reportedly packing up after seven seasons on the NBC staple. Sources close to the situation tell TMZ and Deadline that his last hurrah airs December 20, 2025—perfect timing with Ariana Grande hosting and Cher performing. Yes, his Wicked bestie is there to send him off in style. 😏
Yang started as a writer in 2018 before hitting the cast spotlight, becoming SNL's first Chinese American performer and one of its first openly gay stars. His star power exploded: think blockbuster turns in Wicked and a Podcast of the Year win for Las Culturistas with co-host Matt Rogers at the 2023 iHeart Awards. But don't sleep on those five Primetime Emmy nods— one for writing, four for Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
Back in September 2025, amid all the cast drama, Yang spilled to People that he wasn't ready to bounce just yet. “I’ve always gone by the instinct of, do I have more to do? And I feel like I do,” he said. Even SNL creator Lorne Michaels chimed in, reassuring him: “You have more to do... There’s more for you to do. I need you.” Yang gushed about the show, adding, “That man has changed my life, and I owe a lot of my life to that show. I love working there, the people are the best.” Yet here we are, midseason exit amid the holiday break. He skipped a few eps for Wicked promo, but no official word on why now.
This isn't solo drama—Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, Emil Wakim, and John Higgins all dipped before season 51 kicked off. Ego even posted a heartfelt goodbye on Insta: “The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say ‘goodnight.’ But after seven unforgettable seasons, I have decided to leave SNL.” Sources say Yang's move isn't confirmed by him or the show, but outlets like The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and People are calling it a done deal.
So, is Bowen trading Studio 8H for the big screen full-time, or just needing a breather from the live chaos? Spill more tea, universe! 👀
