Bowen Yang is preparing to take his final bow at the Saturday Night Live stage.
Yang, who evolved from behind-the-scenes writer to Emmy-nominated cast standout, will exit SNL partway through its 51st season, closing out his run on December 20, 2025.
Fittingly, the milestone episode will be hosted by his Wicked: For God co-star and close friend Ariana Grande, with Cher set to take the stage as musical guest.
Having a host who’s a personal friend and collaborator adds a celebratory tone to his final SNL night.
The 35-year-old joined the NBC comedy sketch as a writer in 2018, beginning on the show’s 44th season.
He joined the cast as a featured player in 2019 and became part of the main group for season 47.
Bowen Yang is leaving SNL: Here’s why
Reportedly, saying goodbye to the sketch comedy series is Yang’s personal choice, in contrast to swirling rumours of having a fallout with Lorne Michaels, the creator and executive producer of SNL.
While for some his departure is a shock others aren’t that much surprised as Yang has outgrown the late-night nest.
Lately, he has emerged as one of Hollywood’s most in-demand talents, with a packed slate of projects already waiting in the wings.
Moreover, earlier this month, it was reported that he and Matt Rogers from No Good Deed are co-writing and will co-star in an untitled new comedy for Searchlight.
So the reason for Yang to leave Studio 8H is that he’s getting a ton of non-SNL gigs and is ready to move on.
