Bowen Yang confirms he will stop appearing in SNL.
Bowen Yang will leave “Saturday Night Live” after the December 20 episode, which featured Ariana Grande as host and Cher performing as musical guest. The performer will exit during the show’s eighth season, referred to as Season 51.
Yang began with the program in 2018 as a writer. He moved to a featured player role in the following season and joined the principal cast in Season 47. During his tenure he appeared in a variety of sketches and regular segments.
Prior to Yang’s departure, several other cast members and writers had announced their exits in September, including Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, and writer John Higgins. The series has experienced a wave of changes in its personnel roster.
In an interview with a publication, Yang said he felt he still had more to contribute to the show. He mentioned having a discussion with “SNL” creator Lorne Michaels, who encouraged him to continue. Yang also said he honored Michaels’ request to stay for another season.
Yang has described “SNL” as a transitional training ground that prepares performers for future projects. He expressed enthusiasm about the incoming cast and what they will achieve moving forward.