Bowen Yang announced today (December 20, 2025) he’s leaving Saturday Night Live after tomorrow’s episode—his Wicked co-star Ariana Grande hosts the finale as the 5-time Emmy nominee exits mid-season after 7 years. The decision follows Wicked: For Good’s $400M+ box office run and marks Yang’s choice to pursue film career after becoming SNL’s first Asian cast member and most-nominated Asian male performer in Emmy history.
Breaking: Yang Confirms Exit Today
This morning, Bowen Yang posted on Instagram confirming his departure from Saturday Night Live after tomorrow’s (December 21) Christmas episode.
“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.”
Yang’s final episode will be hosted by Wicked co-star Ariana Grande, with Cher as musical guest—a fitting send-off for the comedian who just starred in November’s $400M blockbuster.
Why Is Bowen Yang Leaving SNL?
Bowen Yang’s departure is his personal choice, not a firing.
The Timeline:
- September 2025: Yang told People he’d been weighing whether to leave
- Concern: Worried audiences might be “getting sick” of him
- Lorne Michaels’ response: Encouraged Yang to stay, saying “there’s more for you to do”
- December 2025: Yang decides to leave mid-season after 7 years
According to sources, Bowen Yang simply felt “it was time to move on” after seven seasons. The 35-year-old has landed major film roles and outgrown the late-night format.
7-Year Journey: Writer to Emmy History-Maker
Career Timeline:
- 2018: Joined SNL as writer (Season 44)
- 2019: Promoted to cast member (Season 45), became first Asian cast member in SNL history
- 2021: Promoted to repertory player (Season 47)
- 2021: First featured player ever nominated for Emmy in acting category
- 2025: Became most-nominated Asian male performer in Emmy history (4 acting + 1 writing)
Yang made history as one of the few openly LGBTQ+ performers in SNL’s 50-year legacy.
Wicked Success: $400M+ and Counting
Yang’s exit follows massive success as Pfannee in Wicked: For Good, which released November 21, 2025.
Box Office Breakdown:
- Opening weekend: $150M domestic, $226M global
- Current total: $407M+ worldwide ($278M domestic, $129M international)
- Performance: Outpaced first Wicked by 35%
At the For Good premiere, Yang joked about a spinoff: “I’m going to pitch a ‘Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead’ story with my and Bronwyn James’ characters”.
Film Career Beyond SNL
Yang’s film résumé explains why leaving SNL makes sense:
Major Roles:
- Fire Island (2022) – Hulu romantic comedy with Joel Kim Booster
- Bros (2022) – Billy Eichner’s LGBTQ+ rom-com
- Dicks: The Musical – Comedy musical
- The Garfield Movie – Voice role
- The Cat in the Hat – Upcoming animated film
He also co-hosts popular podcast Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers.
Midseason Exit: Rare But Not Unprecedented
Leaving SNL mid-season is uncommon but has historical precedent:
Previous Midseason Departures:
- Cecily Strong (2022)
- Molly Shannon (2001)
- Dana Carvey (1993)
- Eddie Murphy (1984)
Yang’s exit follows massive Season 51 cast shake-up after SNL’s 50th anniversary. Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, and Emil Wakim all left before the current season.
Creator Lorne Michaels said the changes were to “shake things up” after the landmark anniversary.
What’s Next for Yang?
While Yang hasn’t announced specific projects, his Instagram post hinted at future plans:
“Thank you to Ari for sending me off in the most wonderful way I could envision.”
With Wicked: For Good still in theaters and animated projects in development, Yang’s post-SNL career is already thriving.
His final SNL appearance airs tomorrow night (December 21, 2025) at 11:30 PM ET on NBC.
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