Bowen Yang is leaving Saturday Night Live after seven seasons as a cast member, with his final episode airing December 20, 2025. Explore the reasons behind his mid-season departure and his legacy on the show.
As of December 19, 2025, beloved Saturday Night Live cast member Bowen Yang has announced his departure from the NBC sketch comedy series after seven seasons as a performer (and one prior as a writer). The news broke today, with Yang’s final episode set for this Saturday, December 20, hosted by his Wicked co-star Ariana Grande and featuring musical guest Cher. The announcement has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with hashtags like #BowenYang and #SNL trending as fans express shock and admiration for his contributions.
The Departure Announcement
Bowen Yang will exit SNL mid-season during the holiday break, following his appearance in the Christmas episode. Sources close to the decision describe it as Yang’s choice, noting he has been there for seven years and feels it’s time to move on. This mid-season exit is atypical but not unprecedented, with past examples including Cecily Strong, Eddie Murphy, and Dana Carvey.
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Yang joined SNL as a writer in 2018 for Season 44, became a featured player in Season 45, and was promoted to the main cast in Season 47. He has earned five Emmy nominations for his work, including four for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
Reasons for Leaving
While Yang has not issued a public statement, sources indicate the decision stems from a desire to pursue other opportunities in acting, podcasting, and film. He has built a successful career outside SNL, including roles in Wicked and Wicked: For Good, Fire Island, Dicks: The Musical, and the upcoming The Wedding Banquet. He also co-hosts the popular podcast Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers.
Earlier in 2025, Yang discussed his future with SNL creator Lorne Michaels, expressing that he felt he had “more to do” but acknowledging the show’s evolving nature requires making way for new talent. The departure follows a wave of exits ahead of Season 51, including Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, and others, as the show refreshes its lineup.
Reactions and Implications
The announcement has elicited an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues, praising Yang’s iconic characters like Moo Deng the baby hippo, Charli XCX, and George Santos. Many highlight his historic role as SNL‘s first Chinese American cast member and one of its first openly gay stars.
Online reactions are mixed: some express disappointment over losing a fan favorite, while others note his rising Hollywood profile makes the timing logical. The mid-season exit has fueled speculation about future projects and the show’s direction under Lorne Michaels.
Conclusion
Bowen Yang’s exit from Saturday Night Live after seven impactful seasons marks the end of an era, but opens doors for his expanding career in entertainment. His final episode promises a fitting sendoff with high-profile guests.
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