In a significant shake-up for the iconic sketch show, comedian Bowen Yang has confirmed his departure from Saturday Night Live. The 35-year-old cast member will leave the programme midseason, concluding a seven-year tenure that saw him rise from writer to fan-favourite performer.
A Meteoric Rise from Writer to Star
Yang first joined the SNL team in 2018 as a writer, quickly making his mark with sharp, contemporary sketches. His talent was so evident that he was promoted to the full cast the very next year, in 2019. This rapid ascent made him one of the show's standout success stories of recent years, known for his impeccable character work and viral impressions.
The Final Bow with a Co-Star
His last appearance as a regular cast member is scheduled for the episode airing on Saturday 20 December 2025. The show holds particular significance as it will be hosted by pop superstar Ariana Grande, Yang's co-star in the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked. This final collaboration adds a poignant note to his exit, blending his cinematic and television worlds.
What His Departure Means for SNL
Yang's midseason exit creates a notable gap in the Saturday Night Live ensemble. As one of the programme's most versatile and beloved comedians, his characters and satirical takes on figures like Chappell Roan and Moo Deng have become weekly highlights. His departure marks the end of an era for the long-running sketch show and will undoubtedly shift the dynamic of the current cast. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how the show adapts following the loss of such a key player.
The news, first reported from Los Angeles, confirms that Yang's final episode is imminent. While the comedian has not yet publicly detailed his future plans, his exit from SNL opens a new chapter for his career, which is likely to include a heightened focus on film and other television projects.
