One of SNL’s most popular cast members is set to leave the show in the middle of its 51st season, bowing out in the final episode of 2025.
Several beloved SNL stars exited the series ahead of the Season 15 premiere – namely Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, Ego Nwodim, Michael Longfellow, and Heidi Gardner. Now, a new, mid-season departure has been named.
Although the onslaught of big-name SNL cast losses after the show’s 50th anniversary came as a surprise, this one is arguably less shocking. Well, depending on who you ask.
Bowen Yang is leaving SNL
Bowen Yang, an SNL cast member for eight seasons, is leaving after the Saturday, December 20 episode. Although SNL reps declined to comment on the story, Variety announced Bowen’s departure. Fittingly, Bowen’s last episode will be with his Wicked co-star Ariana Grande hosting, with Cher as musical guest.
Bowen first joined SNL in season 44 in 2018, starting as a writer. After Season 45, the comedian became a featured player, before becoming a main cast member from Season 47. For his work on the show, the 35-year-old has been nominated for five Emmy Awards.
Outside of SNL, Bowen has been enjoying some serious success as of late. Las Culturistas, his podcast with fellow comedian Matt Rogers, consistently ranks highly in the podcast streaming charts. The actor has also made guest appearances on RuPaul’s Drag Race, The Simpsons, and the Scott Pilgrim animated series.
Bowen also appeared in both Wicked films as Pfannee, with the first film being nominated for Best Picture at this year’s Academy Awards, and the sequel garnering serious awards buzz. This year, Bowen also won the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Vantage Award. The accolade “honors an emerging artist or scholar who is helping to contextualize and challenge dominant narratives around cinema,” according to The Academy, so he probably won’t be short of work any time soon.
TELL US – WILL YOU MISS BOWEN YANG ON SNL?
