Bowen Yang to Exit Saturday Night Live After Seven Seasons in Star-Studded Farewell
Bowen Yang is officially saying goodbye to Saturday Night Live. According to multiple reports, the Emmy-nominated comedian will make his final appearance on the long-running sketch series after this weekend’s episode — marking the end of a standout seven-season run.
The timing couldn’t be more fitting. The episode will be hosted by Yang’s Wicked co-star and close friend Ariana Grande, with Cher serving as the musical guest — a lineup that feels tailor-made for Yang’s farewell.
Yang starred opposite Grande in the Wicked films as Pfannee, Glinda’s loyal and comedic assistant. Their real-life friendship has translated into on-screen chemistry, making Grande’s hosting gig an especially meaningful sendoff. Adding to the moment is Cher, who Yang has openly called his “dream” SNL guest for years.
“I would do anything with her,” Yang told E! at the 2022 Emmy Awards, referring to Cher. He doubled down on that sentiment during a 2024 appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, saying, “My white whale has always been Cher… You and Cher together would blow my mind.” This weekend, that full-circle moment finally becomes reality.
Yang first joined SNL in 2018 as a writer during Season 44 before quickly emerging as a breakout performer. He was promoted to featured player in Season 45 and became a main cast member in Season 47. Over the years, he earned praise for his sharp comedic instincts, fearless characters, and cultural commentary — ultimately becoming one of the show’s most recognizable and celebrated voices. His work on the series has earned him five Emmy nominations.
While SNL didn’t immediately comment on the reports, Yang’s next chapter is already well underway. He and his Las Culturistas podcast co-host Matt Rogers are set to co-write and star in a new comedy film for Searchlight, according to Deadline. The project is inspired by the podcast Search Engine episode titled “Why didn’t Chris and Dan get into Berghain?” — a story about two Americans who travel across the world in hopes of getting into one of the most exclusive nightclubs on the planet.
Yang is also expanding his voice acting career. He’s slated to appear opposite Bill Hader in an upcoming animated adaptation of The Cat in the Hat, adding yet another major credit to his growing résumé.
His exit comes amid significant cast changes at SNL. Ahead of Season 51, creator Lorne Michaels hinted that the show would “shake things up,” leading to several high-profile departures. Ego Nwodim, John Higgins, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, Rosebud Baker, and Emil Wakim were among the comedians who exited the series before the most recent season.
For Yang, though, this moment feels less like an ending and more like a launchpad. With major film projects ahead, beloved collaborations continuing, and a farewell episode packed with personal meaning, Bowen Yang’s SNL goodbye is set to be unforgettable.
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