Long-time Saturday Night Live cast member Bowen Yang is departing the NBC sketch comedy series in the middle of its 51st season, marking a major shift in the show’s ensemble. His final appearance is slated for the December 20, 2025 episode — the show’s holiday installment hosted by his Wicked co-star Ariana Grande with Cher as the musical guest. Deadline+1
Yang’s exit comes amid an ongoing cast shake-up at SNL after the 50th anniversary season, in which several longtime performers including Ego Nwodim and Heidi Gardner left the show before Season 51 premiered. Wikipedia
A Career Built at SNL
Yang’s journey with Saturday Night Live began in 2018 when he joined the show as a writer. A year later he was elevated to on-air cast status for Season 45 and became a full repertory player by Season 47. During his tenure, Yang became known for memorable characters and sketches — from playful impersonations to inventive recurring bits — and earned multiple Emmy nominations for his performances. The Economic Times
He also made history as one of the few Asian American and openly gay cast members in the show’s history. Wikipedia
Final Episode and Fan Reaction
The December 20 episode will serve as a fitting farewell for Yang, featuring a host and musical guest with whom he has strong connections. Ariana Grande and Cher’s involvement adds symbolic weight to his send-off, given Yang’s longtime admiration for both performers. The Economic Times
While no official statement has been released by Yang or SNL regarding the reasons for his mid-season exit, speculation points to a combination of personal career evolution and the natural cast turnover that SNL undergoes. Mid-season departures, while uncommon, echo past exits by show veterans over the decades. The Economic Times
Beyond SNL
Outside the SNL stage, Yang has diversified his career with roles in film and television, as well as co-hosting the popular podcast Las Culturistas. His expanding body of work signals that his departure may open new creative opportunities beyond live television. The Economic Times
As Saturday Night Live continues into 2026 with a fresh cast lineup, Yang’s departure marks the end of a distinctive and influential chapter in the show’s long history. Deadline
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