Bowen Yang’s final bow at Saturday Night Live will come after the Dec. 20 episode featuring Ariana Grande and Cher, marking the end of his eighth season.
The End of an Era
Bowen Yang has been part of SNL since 2018, starting as a writer before becoming a featured player in Season 45 and a main‑cast member in Season 47. His exit, slated for the middle of Season 51, follows the September departures of Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, Emil Wakim and writer John Higgins.
Why He Leaves
In a People interview the same month, Yang explained that he had spoken with creator Lorne Michaels about staying on for another season. He said: “I’ve always gone by the instinct of, do I have more to do? And I feel like I do,” Yang told the outlet. He added, “Even Lorne and I talked about it, and 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.’”
Honoring the Show
Yang said he felt it was important to honor Michaels’ wishes, stating, “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.” He described SNL as a “boot camp” for young entertainers, adding that it is “always a transitional place, and I think it is always a launching pad. I think that’s going to be true for all of the people who aren’t coming back. I’m so excited to see what they do. I’m excited for the new cast.”
A Versatile Performer
During his tenure, Yang was known for his versatility, delivering memorable bits at the Weekend Update desk such as the iceberg that sank the Titanic and Moo Deng. His humor and adaptability have made him a fan favorite.
What Comes Next
Yang’s departure comes amid a wave of exits that have reshaped the SNL lineup. While he will miss the show, he expressed excitement for the new cast and the future projects of his departing colleagues.
Key Takeaways
- Bowen Yang will leave SNL after the Dec. 20 episode, marking the end of his eighth season.
- His decision followed a conversation with Lorne Michaels, who encouraged him to stay.
- Yang praised SNL as a launching pad for talent and expressed excitement for the next generation of performers.
Bowen Yang’s final episode will be a bittersweet moment for fans and the SNL community, as the show transitions into a new chapter with fresh faces.
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