"I've always gone by the instinct of, do I have more to do? And I feel like I do,” he told PEOPLE in September 2025 when asked why he doesn't have a specific time frame for leaving the sketch comedy series. "Even Lorne and I talked about it, and Lorne was like, ‘You have more to do,’ and that means a lot."

Actor Bowen Yang gave an emotional performance for his last show on Saturday Night Live over the weekend. Earlier on December 20, Yang had confirmed that evening’s episode would be his last.

But Bowen was different. And not just because of his five Emmy nominations, including four consecutive nods coming into Season 51 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, more than any of the SNL men who came to 30 Rock before him.

Representatives for Yang and SNL have not commented on the story. Yang’s exit comes on the heels of a major cast shakeup at SNL. Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker, Ego Nwodim and Michael Longfellow all exited the show this year.

Comedian Bowen Yang has left Saturday Night Live midway through the season, his eighth with the long-running NBC late-night sketch comedy series. The performer participated in his final show Saturday, which was hosted by Wicked star Ariana Grande. Cher was the musical guest.

The entertainment news outlet reported Friday that Yang's final appearance on the show will take place on the Dec. 20 episode, which will be hosted by his friend and "Wicked" co-star Ariana Grande. Cher will serve as the musical guest. Representatives for "SNL" did not initially respond to ABC Audio's request for comment.

WASHINGTON — Bowen Yang is exiting “Saturday Night Live” midway through his eighth season. Yang’s final episode as a cast member will air Saturday, Dec. 20, with his "Wicked" co-star Ariana Grande hosting and Cher serving as musical guest.