Bowen Yang Exits NBC’s Saturday Night Live in Surprise Mid-Season Move

2025-12-21 general

New York, Sunday, 21 December 2025.
Comedian Bowen Yang abruptly departs NBC’s Saturday Night Live midway through Season 51. His final appearance airs December 20, 2025, alongside Wicked co-star Ariana Grande.

A Sudden Curtain Call at 30 Rock

In a significant development for NBC’s flagship comedy institution, Bowen Yang has officially departed Saturday Night Live (SNL) following the broadcast on December 20, 2025 [1][8]. The exit marks an abrupt end to Yang’s tenure midway through the show’s 51st season, a rarity for senior cast members who typically conclude their runs at a season’s finale [1]. The comedian’s final episode was hosted by his Wicked co-star Ariana Grande and featured a musical performance by Cher [1][8]. While NBCUniversal acknowledged Yang’s departure, the Comcast-owned network offered no further comment regarding the specific reasons for the mid-season split [1].

A Legacy of Representation and Acclaim

Yang’s influence on the program extended beyond his on-screen sketches. After joining the writing staff in 2018, he was promoted to an on-air role in 2019, becoming the first Chinese-American cast member in the show’s history [1][2]. Over a tenure spanning 7 years, Yang accrued five Emmy Award nominations, cementing his status as a critical favorite [1][8]. His portfolio of memorable characters included the “Iceberg That Sank the Titanic” and a satirical impression of former Congressman George Santos [2]. In a statement released via social media, Yang reflected on his time at the studio, noting that he “learned that comedy is mostly logistics” and expressing gratitude for the experience, though he declined to elaborate on the precipitating factors for his resignation [2].

The Season 51 Talent Exodus

Yang’s departure compounds a significant talent drain for SNL, which had already experienced a roster shake-up prior to the premiere of Season 51 in October 2025 [8]. The show recently saw the exits of established performers including Heidi Gardner, Ego Nwodim, and Devon Walker [8]. Media analysts have flagged this trend as a potential vulnerability for the franchise; NPR critic Eric Deggans described Yang’s exit as a “setback,” highlighting the comedian’s utility in elevating weaker material and addressing the show’s historical gaps in Asian representation [1]. Yang himself had foreshadowed a potential move earlier in the year, stating in April 2025 that he was observing “what life after the show is like” following the program’s milestone 50th season [8].

Future Projects and Industry Ties

While stepping away from the weekly demands of live sketch comedy, Yang retains strong ties to the entertainment industry and the broader NBCUniversal ecosystem. He recently starred in the Wicked film franchise, with Wicked: For Good released in 2025 [1][4]. Looking ahead, his slate of projects includes a voice role in the animated feature The Cat in the Hat, scheduled for release in 2026, and a film for Searchlight Pictures [8]. Despite the sudden nature of his SNL exit, Yang’s career trajectory suggests a strategic pivot toward film and voice work following his success on the small screen [4][8].

Sources

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