Bowen Yang confirms his exit from Saturday Night Live after the 2025 Christmas episode. Here’s why he’s leaving, what he accomplished, and what comes next.
In a move that has surprised fans and shaken up late-night television, Bowen Yang has officially announced his departure from Saturday Night Live. The comedian and actor confirmed that this weekend’s Christmas episode will be his final appearance on the iconic NBC sketch show, marking an unexpected exit in the middle of Season 51.
Yang shared the news with fans through an Instagram post on Saturday, reflecting on his time at SNL with gratitude and emotion. “I loved working at SNL, and most of all I loved the people,” he wrote. “I’m grateful for every minute of my time there.” The post quickly went viral, drawing reactions from fellow comedians, celebrities, and longtime viewers of the show.
From Writer to Breakout Star
Bowen Yang first joined Saturday Night Live in 2018 as a writer, quietly making history as one of the few openly gay Asian American writers in the show’s decades-long run. Just one year later, he was promoted to on-air cast member, becoming the first openly gay Asian American performer in SNL history.
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Over the next seven years, Yang evolved into one of the show’s most recognizable and celebrated stars. Known for his sharp comedic timing, pop-culture savvy, and fearless performances, he became a frequent highlight in sketches and “Weekend Update” segments.
His work did not go unnoticed by the industry. Yang earned five Primetime Emmy nominations during his tenure—one for writing and four for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Few cast members in recent years have achieved that level of consistent critical recognition.
Iconic Characters and Cultural Impact
Yang’s legacy on SNL is defined by characters that blended absurdity with cultural commentary. From portraying Moo Deng the baby hippo to his spot-on impressions of pop figures like Charli XCX, Yang carved out a niche that felt distinctly modern and internet-aware.
What set Yang apart was his ability to tap into online culture while translating it for a mainstream television audience. His performances often resonated strongly with younger viewers, helping SNL stay relevant in the social media era.
Beyond the laughs, Yang’s presence also carried deeper cultural significance. For many fans, especially within the LGBTQ+ and Asian American communities, his success on one of television’s biggest stages represented meaningful progress in representation.
Why Bowen Yang Is Leaving SNL
While Yang did not explicitly state his reasons for leaving, a person familiar with his decision told CNN that after seven years, he felt it was “time to move on.” The comment aligns with a long-standing pattern at SNL, where cast members often depart after several seasons to pursue film, television, and stage opportunities.
His exit also comes amid broader cast changes. Ahead of Season 51, several of Yang’s former costars—including Devon Walker, Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, and Emil Wakim—announced their departures, signaling a transitional period for the show.
Representatives for SNL declined to comment publicly on Yang’s exit, leaving fans to speculate about what the future holds for both the performer and the long-running series.
Gratitude for Lorne Michaels and the SNL Family
In his farewell post, Yang made a point to thank Lorne Michaels, the creator and longtime executive producer of Saturday Night Live. “Thank you to Lorne for the job. For the standard. And for bringing everyone at work together,” Yang wrote, emphasizing the collaborative culture behind the scenes.
He also expressed appreciation for fellow cast members, writers, and crew, noting how deeply everyone cared about making the work environment joyful. “I can’t believe I was ever included in that,” he added, a line that resonated with fans who have followed his journey from writer to star.
A Star-Studded Farewell Episode
Yang’s final episode is set to be a memorable one. This weekend’s SNL Christmas show will be hosted by Ariana Grande, who recently costarred with Yang in Wicked: For Good and last year’s Oscar-winning film Wicked. The episode’s musical guest is none other than Cher, making it the final episode of the year—and of Yang’s SNL career.
“Thank you to Ari for sending me off in the dreamiest way I could imagine,” Yang wrote, suggesting the farewell will be both emotional and celebratory.
What’s Next for Bowen Yang?
Although Yang has not announced specific future projects, his post-SNL path looks promising. In addition to his film work, he remains a co-host of the popular podcast Las Culturistas, and his growing presence in Hollywood suggests more acting, writing, and producing opportunities ahead.
Leaving Saturday Night Live is rarely an ending—it’s often a beginning. For Bowen Yang, whose voice has already reshaped modern comedy, this next chapter may prove to be his biggest yet.
As fans tune in for his final bow at Studio 8H, one thing is clear: Bowen Yang didn’t just pass through SNL—he helped define an era.