Bowen Yang Talks Leaving ‘SNL’ at “Some Point”

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Bowen Yang doesn’t plan to be at Saturday Night Live forever.

In a chat with People, the performer-funnyman expressed thoughts on his upcoming plans, mentioning that the recent 50th anniversary special, where many former Saturday Night Live cast members came back, sparked contemplation in him about what life might be after the sketch comedy series.

SNL is an ever-evolving, lively entity, according to him. After reaching its 50th anniversary, he has observed the charm of life beyond the show and how it continues to be enchanting, regardless of one’s tenure on the program. He noticed that many former cast members are now enjoying their families and cherishing their lives, refusing to let time diminish the magic they experienced during their time there.

Since 2019, Yang has been part of the main cast on a long-standing comedy sketch show. He actually started as a member of the writing team in the year before that. Some of his most standout sketches on the show are “Weekend Update: The Iceberg on the Sinking of the Titanic,” “Bowen’s Straight,” and “Weekend Update: U.S. Shoots Down Chinese Spy Balloon.” There are many more memorable ones as well.

He shared that as SNL continues to evolve and thrive, fresh talent joins and it’s essential for them to flourish. This process often necessitates a change, which means I might need to step aside at some point, but I’m still unsure about what the future holds.

Apart from mentioning other reasons, the “Wicked” star expressed his intention to eventually leave the NBC show because of the rigorous work schedule, a factor that interferes with his private life.

Regarding the latest season of SNL, Yang commented, ‘Suddenly, it hits me – my schedule isn’t mine anymore.’ He informs his friends, ‘I likely won’t be able to meet up until June.’ To those he’s been dating consistently, he explains, ‘It’s not that I’m losing interest. My time is just evaporating, and I apologize sincerely. It’s not about you; it’s about my current situation.’

Yet, he continues to relish his stint on SNL, acknowledging that the cooperative essence of the program has driven him beyond his customary bounds, particularly with some eccentric skits throughout its tenure.

Yang mentioned that one of the most enjoyable aspects of working at SNL is when you’re not focusing on your own tasks, instead assisting a fellow cast member in realizing their vision. This might involve being asked to dress up as unusual things like a drone or a Chinese spy balloon, and even collaborating with stars like Lady Gaga. Yang explained that you just go along with it without giving it a second thought.

In numerous situations, you’re propelled forward like a cannonball, which tends to erase any reservations I might have about trying new things. Sure, there may be instances where you end up looking foolish or making mistakes, but I always consider those moments insignificant compared to the incredible experiences I’ve had.

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2025-04-22 03:24