'Saturday Night Live' Star Bowen Yang Allegedly Considering Leaving Show Amid Year of Cast Changes

It seems that Bowen Yang, a popular cast member of Saturday Night Live (SNL), is preparing to leave the iconic late-night comedy show. As per multiple sources referenced in a People article published on December 19, the 35-year-old comedian is expected to exit the series during its 51st season. His final appearance on the show is slated for Saturday, December 20, 2023. The episode will be hosted by Ariana Grande, who stars alongside Yang in the Broadway musical Wicked, with musical legend Cher as the featured guest performer.

Bowen Yang joined the cast of Saturday Night Live back in 2019 during the 45th season. Initially brought on as a staff writer for season 44, Yang quickly became a featured player and later earned a promotion to repertory player in season 47. Over the course of his seven seasons on the show, Yang became a fan favorite for his unique comedic style, frequently portraying memorable characters and participating in various high-profile sketches.

The news of Yang's departure follows a series of major changes within the SNL cast, with other well-known cast members such as Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, and Michael Longfellow also exiting the show ahead of the current season. These exits reflect the evolving nature of the show, which often undergoes cast shake-ups between seasons.

In an interview with People in September, Yang opened up about his decision to return for another season of Saturday Night Live. He shared that he trusted his instincts when it came to the decision, saying, "Ive always gone by the instinct of, do I have more to do? And I feel like I do." Yang also revealed that even creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels supported his return, offering reassurance that there was still room for him on the show. "You have more to do, and I need you," Michaels reportedly told Yang, which meant a great deal to him. Yang also confessed that he had concerns about the audience possibly growing tired of his presence, to which Michaels responded, "Thats not true. Theres more for you to do."

The departure of Bowen Yang marks the end of an era for SNL, as his time on the show was marked by his ability to bring fresh energy and comedic perspective. Fans of Yang can look forward to his final performance on December 20, with Grande hosting and Cher performing. While this marks the end of Yang's time with Saturday Night Live, it's clear that his impact on the show will be remembered for years to come.