There have been a number of shocking departures from Saturday Night Live in 2025, but nothing more shocking than the most recent. It’s rare for the comedy sketch show to lose a cast member midseason, but that’s exactly what has happened.
Saturday Night Live is now on its winter break, airing its final episode of 2025 on Saturday, Dec. 20. In some good news, there is already a January 2026 return date, but that’s where the good news stops. The series will be without a cast member who has been around since season 44.
Who is leaving Saturday Night Live after 2025?
The Saturday, Dec. 20 episode, which was hosted by Ariana Grande with musical guest Cher, was the last one for Bowen Yang. TV Insider revealed ahead of the episode that Yang was leaving the series, and not just at the end of season 51. He is leaving midseason, in a rare move. The last time something like this happened was when Cecily Strong left in December 2022 during season 48.
Yang joined Saturday Night Live in season 44 as a writer, and then in season 45, he became a supporting cast member. He was upped to series regular for season 47, which is where he’s remained since. Although we do have to admit that the series missed a huge opportunity with him.
Why is Bowen Yang leaving SNL?
No official reason was given for the departure at the time of the announcement. However, after the SNL season 51 cast shakeup in September, he did share that he viewed the show as a “transitional place.” The intention is to go on the show to hone a craft, and he believes that that is something everyone has believed. It’s a launching pad, and that’s certainly been the case for many cast members.
So, it sounds like he’s just been ready to move onto new pastures. He has since shared a beautiful message on social media to note his love for everyone there. He has learned a lot over the years — including how bad he is with wigs — and shared his thanks to everyone on the series.
Yang has started to add movie credits to his name. His most recent ones have been Wicked, Wicked: For Good, and The Wedding Banquet. With his comedic timing, there’s no doubt that we’ll likely see him in more comedic film roles in the future, and we wish him well!
Saturday Night Live is now on its winter break, but it will return on Saturday, Jan. 17 on NBC.