Bowen Yang SNL Departure 2025: The Story Behind the Perfect Exit

He didn't just leave; he stuck the landing. Bowen Yang has finally opened up about his surprise mid-season departure from Saturday Night Live, revealing that he almost walked away even earlier than his 2025 exit.

Why the Bowen Yang SNL Departure 2025 Happened Mid-Season

According to Entertainment Weekly, Yang discussed his exit on the January 7, 2026, episode of the 'Las Culturistas' podcast. While fans were shocked by his timing, Yang explained that he had been weighing the decision since the show's landmark 50th season. "I have this very beautiful thing where I get to say that I stayed on exactly as long as I wanted to," he shared with co-host Matt Rogers.

Yang joined the iconic sketch show as a writer in 2018 before moving in front of the camera in 2019. After seven seasons, he felt the pull to move on, noting that the current entertainment ecosystem is "turbulent," making the privilege of choosing one's own exit date even more significant.

Landing the Mars Rover: A Flawless Finale

The stars aligned for Yang's final episode, which featured his 'Wicked' co-star Ariana Grande as host and the legendary Cher as the musical guest. The trio appeared together in the "Delta Lounge" sketch, a meta-farewell that Yang feared might get cut before airtime.

Comparing his exit to "landing the Mars rover on like a square foot of terrain," Yang expressed immense gratitude for the "outpouring" of support from the crew. His departure follows other high-profile exits, including Heidi Gardner and Ego Nwodim, marking a period of significant transition for the show.