Bowen Yang is leaving Saturday Night Live after seven years of work
19 december 2025 в 22:13
Bowen Yang, one of the main cast members of Saturday Night Live and a fan favorite, is reportedly leaving the comedy series after seven years. He began his career as a writer before being promoted to repertory player.
According to information from Deadline, Bowen, 35, will make his final appearance on air on December 20, 2025, when his fellow «Wicked» cast member Ariana Grande will host the show.
So why is Bowen leaving SNL now? Here’s what we know about his departure in the middle of the season.
According to Deadline, Bowen’s last episode on SNL will air on December 20, 2025, and he is leaving amid the Christmas holidays.
At the time of publication, Bowen had not made any public comments about his departure. The reasons for his decision to leave the show mid-season remain unclear, although he has missed several episodes, primarily to promote the two «Wicked» films last year and this fall.
While some fans were shocked by the news, Bowen’s departure has actually been a topic of discussion. In an interview with People in September 2025, amid widely discussed cast changes, the «Wicked» actor stated that he feels he still has «a lot to do» on SNL and would like to stay.
«I've always followed my instinct: is there still something I can do? And I feel like there is», - Bowen said. «[Creator] Lorne [Michaels] said, 'You have more to do,' and that means a lot because I even confessed to him… 'I feel like the audience might be tired of me.' And he replied, 'That's not true. You have more to do. I need you.'»
Bowen added that he «needs to respect that», - referring to Lorne’s words. He also noted that it was the SNL creator who propelled his career in the entertainment industry.
«This man changed my life, and I owe a lot to this show», - Bowen continued. «I love working there; the people are the best. I truly love each and every one of them».
Many fan favorites from SNL have left the show ahead of its 51st season. Among them were Devon Walker, Emil Wakin, Michael Longfellow, Heidi Gardner, and Ego Nwodim.
When Ego’s departure made headlines, she commented on her decision in an emotional Instagram post in September 2025. She wrote, «The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say 'goodnight.' But after seven unforgettable seasons, I’ve decided to leave SNL».
Expressing «immense gratitude to Lorne for the opportunity», - Ego thanked her colleagues, writers, and the SNL team «for their brilliance, support, and friendship».
«Week after week on this stage taught me more than I could have ever imagined, and I will always carry those memories and that laughter with me», - she concluded
According to information from Deadline, Bowen, 35, will make his final appearance on air on December 20, 2025, when his fellow «Wicked» cast member Ariana Grande will host the show.
So why is Bowen leaving SNL now? Here’s what we know about his departure in the middle of the season.
According to Deadline, Bowen’s last episode on SNL will air on December 20, 2025, and he is leaving amid the Christmas holidays.
At the time of publication, Bowen had not made any public comments about his departure. The reasons for his decision to leave the show mid-season remain unclear, although he has missed several episodes, primarily to promote the two «Wicked» films last year and this fall.
While some fans were shocked by the news, Bowen’s departure has actually been a topic of discussion. In an interview with People in September 2025, amid widely discussed cast changes, the «Wicked» actor stated that he feels he still has «a lot to do» on SNL and would like to stay.
«I've always followed my instinct: is there still something I can do? And I feel like there is», - Bowen said. «[Creator] Lorne [Michaels] said, 'You have more to do,' and that means a lot because I even confessed to him… 'I feel like the audience might be tired of me.' And he replied, 'That's not true. You have more to do. I need you.'»
Bowen added that he «needs to respect that», - referring to Lorne’s words. He also noted that it was the SNL creator who propelled his career in the entertainment industry.
«This man changed my life, and I owe a lot to this show», - Bowen continued. «I love working there; the people are the best. I truly love each and every one of them».
Many fan favorites from SNL have left the show ahead of its 51st season. Among them were Devon Walker, Emil Wakin, Michael Longfellow, Heidi Gardner, and Ego Nwodim.
When Ego’s departure made headlines, she commented on her decision in an emotional Instagram post in September 2025. She wrote, «The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say 'goodnight.' But after seven unforgettable seasons, I’ve decided to leave SNL».
Expressing «immense gratitude to Lorne for the opportunity», - Ego thanked her colleagues, writers, and the SNL team «for their brilliance, support, and friendship».
«Week after week on this stage taught me more than I could have ever imagined, and I will always carry those memories and that laughter with me», - she concluded
© Puhova Marina
