How does Bowen Yang feel about leaving Saturday Night Live?

Bowen Yang finds his transition from SNL cast member to viewer to be bizarre, yet ultimately fun and a strange adjustment.

Where was Bowen Yang watching SNL after his departure?

Bowen Yang watched the remaining Saturday Night Live episodes from Japan after his midseason departure.

When did Bowen Yang join Saturday Night Live and what were his achievements?

Bowen Yang joined Saturday Night Live as a writer in 2018, was promoted to the cast in 2019, and became the first featured player nominated for a Primetime Emmy in 2021.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Bowen Yang: SNL Exit Was "Bizarre, But Fun"

Bowen Yang: SNL Exit Was "Bizarre, But Fun"

7 Feb

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Summary

Bowen Yang describes his transition from SNL cast member to viewer as bizarre yet fun.
He watched recent SNL episodes from Japan, receiving texts from former colleagues.
Yang noted an emotional relief from not being involved in the weekly production process.

Bowen Yang: SNL Exit Was "Bizarre, But Fun"

Bowen Yang has described his departure from Saturday Night Live as a surreal yet enjoyable experience. After leaving the NBC sketch comedy series midway through its 51st season in December 2025, Yang found himself watching the subsequent episodes as a viewer from Japan. He shared that receiving texts from his old coworkers added to the unusual, yet ultimately fun, nature of his transition.

Yang admitted that shifting from being a cast member for seven seasons to an audience member felt distinctly strange. However, he also highlighted a sense of alleviation stemming from no longer being involved in the show's comprehensive weekly production process. This detachment has, in his words, lifted the emotional baggage, allowing him to genuinely enjoy watching the sketches each week.

Yang's exit from SNL occurred on the December 20, 2025, episode hosted by Ariana Grande, with Cher as the musical guest. He initially joined the show as a writer during its 44th season in 2018, before being promoted to the cast the following year. His groundbreaking achievement came in 2021 when he became the first featured player from SNL to receive a Primetime Emmy nomination.