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Bowen Yang to Exit ‘Saturday Night Live’ Mid-Season

NEW YORK, NY – Emmy-nominated comedian Bowen Yang is departing “Saturday Night Live” after eight seasons, Variety has learned. His final appearance as a cast member will be this Saturday, alongside host Ariana Grande, his co-star in the upcoming film “Wicked,” with Cher as the musical guest.

Representatives for Yang and “SNL” declined to comment on the reason for his departure.

Yang joined “SNL” as a writer in 2018 and was quickly promoted to featured player in 2019. He became a main cast member in 2021 and has since become a fan favorite, earning four consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series from 2021 to 2025.

Yang’s exit follows a significant cast shakeup ahead of the current Season 51, with departures from Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, Emil Wakim and John Higgins. Last year, Higgins’ exit was announced in tandem with his Please Don’t Destroy member Martin Herlihy moving to the writing staff while Ben Marshall moved to the featured cast.

Leaving mid-season is uncommon but not unheard of in “SNL” history. Previous cast members who have left before the end of a season include Cecily Strong, Molly Shannon, Dana Carvey, Eddie Murphy and Norm Macdonald.

Outside of “SNL,” Yang is known for co-hosting the popular podcast “Las Culturistas” with Matt Rogers. He also starred in “Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens” from 2020 to 2023 and has appeared in films like “Fire Island,” “Dicks: The Musical” and the forthcoming “Wicked” films.

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