Comedian and actor Bowen Yang has spoken publicly for the first time about his final days as a cast member on the iconic US sketch show, Saturday Night Live. The 35-year-old shared the emotional details in the latest episode of his podcast, Las Culturalistas, which he hosts alongside Matt Rogers.
The Final Curtain Call
Yang labelled the podcast episode his 'Exit Interview,' providing a reflective space to discuss the end of his tenure on the long-running NBC programme. His last appearance aired on 20 December, where he performed in a sketch alongside that week's host, Ariana Grande, and musical guest, Cher. In the skit, Yang played a Delta Air Lines employee leaving his job—a role he noted was a 'barely veiled' parallel to his own departure.
'I just looked out, and I thought, I’m so lucky that I ever got to work here, and I’m so lucky that I get to make this little statement,' Yang explained to Rogers on the podcast. He emphasised that his decision to leave was a personal one, made amidst a backdrop of industry instability. 'The current entertainment ecosystem is so turbulent that people have completely valid reasons for staying longer, or in a lot of cases, don’t have the privilege of staying on as long as they would like,' he stated.
A Choice to Leave on His Own Terms
Yang made a point of highlighting his gratitude for being able to control the timing of his exit. 'I have this very beautiful thing where I get to say that I stayed on exactly as long as I wanted to,' he said. He admitted to some uncertainty about returning for another season last summer but expressed gladness that he did, allowing for a proper farewell. He also shared encouraging words he received from former SNL star Amy Poehler: 'We’re all waiting for you on the other side.'
The news of his departure was confirmed by Yang himself on Instagram. In a heartfelt post, he wrote: 'I loved working at SNL, and most of all I loved the people.' He reflected on the value of showing up and credited the experience with teaching him that 'comedy is mostly logistics and that it will usually fail until it doesn’t.' The post included an extensive list of thank-yous to writers, cast members, crew, and producers, singling out showrunner Lorne Michaels for 'the job' and 'the standard.'
From Writer to Featured Player
Bowen Yang's journey on Saturday Night Live began in 2018 when he joined as a writer. His talent was quickly recognised, and he was promoted to a featured player for the show's 45th season, making history as the first Chinese-American cast member. His promotion from the writers' room to the main stage marked a significant moment for representation in the show's long history.
His final week, culminating in the December 20 episode, provided a fitting and poignant end to his chapter at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. With his future plans now unfolding, Yang leaves SNL as a beloved figure, having made a distinct mark with his unique comedic voice during a transformative period for the show.
