Bowen Yang is exiting Saturday Night Live (SNL) in the middle of his eighth season on the iconic sketch comedy show. His final episode as a cast member will be this Saturday's episode, hosted by his Wicked co-star Ariana Grande with Cher as musical guest, Variety reports.
Yang, 35, first joined SNL as part of the writing staff in September 2018 ahead of the show's 44th season. A year later he became a cast member for the show's 45th season.
The comedian teased an exit from SNL during an interview with People back in April."With SNL, like I said, it's this growing, living thing where new people come in and you do have to sort of make way for them and to grow and to keep elevating themselves," he said at the time. "And that inevitably requires me to sort of hang it up at some point - but I don't know what the vision is yet." Story continues below advertisement Yang's work on SNL has earned him Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 2021, 2022, 2024 and 2025. He was also nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series in 2019. 0:44 Canadian comedian joining cast of SNL Canadian comedian joining cast of SNL SNL 50: Ryan Reynolds pokes fun at Blake Lively legal drama Kamala Harris makes surprise SNL appearance as U.S. election looms Calgary's Tate McRae to appear on 'Saturday Night Live' as musical guest Previous Video Next Video Trending Now Karoline Leavitt shares 'behind the scenes' photos amid Vanity Fair shoot scrutiny This H3N2 flu strain is spreading 'rapidly.' Why subclade K is hitting hard Yang becomes the latest cast member to leave midseason following Cecily Strong, who left the show in December 2022 during Season 48. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. The announcement of Yang's exit follows a major shakeup with several SNL stars revealing their departures from the hit series in September.
Devon Walker addressed his exit after three seasons in an Instagram post, writing, "Me and baby broke up."Walker's post was followed by the announcement that Ego Nwodim, Emil Wakim, Michael Longfellow and Heidi Gardner will also not be returning to the show. Story continues below advertisement -'Saturday Night Live' Season 51 airs Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET on Global. More on Entertainment More videos Corey Feldman claims Corey Haim molested him on set of 'Lost Boys' Pete Davidson welcomes 1st child with girlfriend Elsie Hewitt Corey Haim's mother calls Corey Feldman's accusations 'defamatory and hurtful' Jelly Roll receives pardon from Tennessee governor for drug, robbery convictions Sportscaster and Author Ken Reid talks 'The Next One' This is BC: Vancouver-based fashion photographer gets international recognition 'How you get famous is not the same': Elle King dishes on fame in 2018 interview How Lainey Wilson helps fans feel confident in their own skin