Mon Sep 15 01:40:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Bowen Yang Stays Put at ‘SNL’ Amid Cast Shakeup, Citing Lorne Michaels’ Encouragement**

**NEW YORK, NY – September 18, 2024** – Amid a season of significant cast departures at “Saturday Night Live,” comedian Bowen Yang has confirmed he will return for Season 51, which premieres on October 4, 2025. The decision comes after encouragement from “SNL” creator Lorne Michaels, who convinced Yang that he has “more to do” on the show.

In an interview with People, Yang expressed his deep gratitude to Michaels and the show, stating, “That man has changed my life, and I owe a lot of my life to that show.” He emphasized his love for working at “SNL” and the close relationships he has with his castmates.

The upcoming season follows a series of notable departures, including veteran cast members Heidi Gardner and Ego Nwodim. Nwodim, who joined the show in 2018, announced her exit on Instagram, reflecting on her “unforgettable seasons.” New cast members Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, and Emil Wakim have also left, along with writers Ben Higgins and Celeste Yim.

Chloe Fineman described the changes at “SNL” as “pretty wild” and acknowledged a sense of “heartbreak and sadness.” She noted the show’s high turnover rate, a sentiment echoed by Yang, who characterized “SNL” as a “boot camp” and “launching pad” for its performers.

Despite the departures, “SNL” is welcoming several new faces to the cast: Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska. Ben Marshall from the comedy group “Please Don’t Destroy,” who joined the writing staff in 2021, will also be promoted to a cast member.

Season 51 of “Saturday Night Live” premieres Saturday, October 4, 2025, on NBC.

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