Bowen Yang Departs ‘SNL’ Unexpectedly Before Season 8 Finale: NPR

Bowen Yang, a prominent cast member of Saturday Night Live (SNL), is unexpectedly leaving the show halfway through its eighth season. His final appearance is scheduled for this Saturday, where he will share the stage with host Ariana Grande and musical guest Cher.

Yang’s Contributions to SNL

During his time on SNL, Yang became known for several standout performances. Some of his most memorable sketches include:

• “The Iceberg That Sank the Titanic,” where he hilariously portrayed the iceberg in a segment on Weekend Update.
• The “Straight Male Friend” commercial spoof featuring Travis Kelce, which humorously examined low-stakes friendships.
• A recurring impression of expelled congressman George Santos.
• A sketch as an intern on NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series.

Emmy Nominations and Future Projects

Yang has received five Emmy nominations for his work on SNL. Beyond the show, he has acted in the romantic comedy Fire Island and is set to star in the upcoming musical Wicked in 2024 and its sequel, Wicked: For Good, in 2025. He also co-hosts the Las Culturistas podcast with comedian Matt Rogers.

Yang’s Journey at SNL

Yang joined SNL in 2018 as a staff writer and was promoted to on-air talent the following year. His departure comes amid a trend of cast changes, as several actors, including Heidi Gardner and Ego Nwodim, have also recently left the show.

Reflections on His Time at SNL

In a heartfelt social media post, Yang expressed gratitude for his time on the show. He stated, “I loved working at SNL, and most of all I loved the people.” He acknowledged the challenges faced during his stint but emphasized the value of perseverance at 30 Rock.

The Context of Departures at SNL

Mid-season departures, while unusual, have occurred in SNL’s history. Notable previous exits include Cecily Strong, Dana Carvey, and Eddie Murphy. Fans and colleagues took to social media to acknowledge Yang’s departure, with actor Evan Ross Katz and comedian Amber Ruffin providing supportive remarks.

Yang’s unexpected exit marks a significant moment in SNL’s evolution as the show continues to adapt with new talent. The NBCUniversal network acknowledged his contribution but did not provide further comments.