Bowen Yang shocked fans of NBC’s“Saturday Night Live” in December 2025 when he announced that he’d be leaving the show. This came months after the 51st season premiere, which saw notable cast changes. Now, the “Wicked” star is opening up about his decision to leave the show mid-season and why he never felt integral to the cast.
Yang took part in Variety’s “Actors on Actors” in June 2026. He was paired with Rachel Sennot. During the sitdown, the “I Love LA” actress asked him about “Saturday Night Live” and why he decided to depart the series.
He stated, “I feel like I was kind of resolute the season before about leaving, and there was just a lot of uncertainty about what the show would look like after season 50, and I was like, ‘I think the show is in a great place without me.”
Yang went on to admit, “I never felt like I was like that central to it.” After hearing the vulnerable statement, Sennot disagreed. He went on to discuss his experience on the show, noting that there was “like a weird utality to me,” before saying he “accepted” having never played the lead roles in the skits.
According to him, “I was always kind of there as the seasoning.” Still, Yang considers himself lucky to have been a part of the show, saying, “I will cherish it for the rest of my life.”
Bowen Says It Was Time To Leave ‘Saturday Night Live’
Yang and Sennot continued discussing his “Saturday Night Live” exit during their “Actors on Actors” segment. Regarding his overall reasoning for leaving, he shared, “I just felt like it was the right time.” From there, Yang stated that he felt the show had a great cast in place without him.
He went on to say that “Saturday Night Live” creator Lorne Michaels called him as he was attending the US Open. During the conversation, the longtime executive producer asked him to at least remain on the show through midseason, given the number of new cast members for season 51.
Yang then shared that Michaels wanted him to “set an example” for the “SNL” newbies. He reflected on the call, stating, “It was kind of the first time that like I felt in my bones like someone who built this thing that made so many things possible for me and for so many people being like, ‘I need you,’ and I’m like, ‘I’m not gonna turn that down.’”
Following Yang’s comments about his “Saturday Night Live” exit, fans of the long-running NBC series are weighing in, with some noting that his presence was felt even after his final episode. One person said, “End of an era, but the future looks bright for Bowen Yang.”
Someone else wrote, “Every cast member who watched Yang become the breakout while they were still fighting for airtime just got a masterclass in timing. He did not overstay. He did not fade. He left while the demand was still loud and the offers were still piling up.”
A different “SNL” fan stated, “I stopped watching every week after he left. The show is still decent, but there’s something missing.”
Lastly, someone else noted, “Bowen’s honesty here is refreshing. Curious to hear his full take on leaving SNL.”
Yang Released A Statement Following His Final ‘SNL’ Episode
Yang’s final “Saturday Night Live” episode aired on December 20, 2025. Following it, the actor released a statement highlighting his admiration for his years on the show after joining in 2018.
He said in an Instagram post, “I loved working at SNL, and most of all, I loved the people. I was there at a time when many things in the world started to seem futile, but working at 30 Rock taught me the value in showing up anyway when people make it worthwhile.”
He added, “Thank you to Lorne (Michaels) for the job. for the standard. and for bringing everyone at work together. They all care deeply about people in the room, any room, enjoying themselves. I can’t believe I was ever included in that.”
The ‘SNL’ Alum Has Multiple Projects In The Works
Ahead of his “Saturday Night Live” exit, Variety reported that Yang would write and costar in a new comedy for Searchlight Pictures. The upcoming role will see him team up with his podcast co-host Matt Rogers.
According to the outlet, the yet-to-be-titled film will be based on an episode titled “Why didn’t Chris and Dan get into Berghain?” from the “Search Engine” podcast. Additionally, he’s part of the cast of the upcoming “The Cat in the Hat,” set for release in November.
