- Bowen Yang announced on Instagram he will leave Saturday Night Live after this weekend’s episode.
- Yang joined S.N.L. in 2018 as a writer and became a main cast member; he earned five Emmy nominations.
- He thanked Lorne Michaels and colleagues; representatives have not yet commented.
Bowen Yang announces sudden midseason exit
Bowen Yang, one of Saturday Night Live’s most acclaimed performers, said on Instagram that he will leave the show after this weekend’s episode. The announcement — unexpected in the middle of the season — came with a message of gratitude to colleagues and fans.
“I loved working at S.N.L., and most of all I loved the people,” Yang wrote, adding thanks to Lorne Michaels for giving him a job and setting the show’s standard.
From writer to celebrated cast member
Yang joined S.N.L. in 2018 as a writer and began appearing in sketches the following season. He was later promoted to the main cast and became the show’s first Chinese American cast member, and one of a handful of LGBTQ performers in S.N.L. history.
Across his run he earned five Emmy nominations, becoming one of the show’s most visible and celebrated players.
Memorable characters and digital hits
Yang built a reputation for sharp character work and viral digital shorts. Fans will remember his iceberg that sank the Titanic, a proud gay Oompa-Loompa, the parody ad “Straight Male Friend” with Travis Kelce, and the digital short “Big Dumb Line.”
Embedded Instagram post (Yang’s announcement):
https://www.instagram.com/p/DSfSGXMkadJ/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D
Watch popular Yang sketches (YouTube):
- Iceberg that sank the Titanic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qP5bu9hLH9E
- Gay Oompa-Loompa sketch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7676ivbWaMo
- “Straight Male Friend” with Travis Kelce: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AA0PwmQMVG8
- Digital short “Big Dumb Line”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4bEOzw8CeY
Why the timing matters
Midseason departures from S.N.L. are rare; cast changes typically happen between seasons. Yang’s decision — hinted at earlier this year when he told Vanity Fair he had thought about the end of his run — signals a notable shift for the show’s current ensemble.
In his Instagram note Yang wrote he was “grateful for every minute” at S.N.L. and praised the show’s collaborative environment. Representatives for Yang did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
What’s next for Yang and S.N.L.
Yang leaves a high bar for new and remaining cast members. His future plans were not disclosed in the announcement; industry observers will watch for new projects and how S.N.L. reshapes its cast next season.
This weekend’s episode will mark the end of Yang’s seven-year run on the sketch show that launched his national profile and earned him several Emmy nods.
Image Referance: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/20/arts/television/bowen-yang-leaving-snl.html
