Bowen Yang is leaving Saturday Night Live after eight seasons on the show.
Variety reports that the actor and comedian’s last episode will air on Dec. 20, hosted by his Wicked costar Ariana Grande, with music guest Cher.
Yang first started as a writer during SNL’s Season 44 in 2018, and then became a supporting cast member in Season 45. He later joined the main cast in Season 45, and has been nominated for Emmys from 2021 to 2025.
The sketch show has experienced a significant wave of cast changes in recent months, with Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, and John Higgins all exiting.
After seven seasons on SNL, Nwodim left in September, before the beginning of Season 51, writing, “The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight.”
Yang is leaving midseason, which is uncommon, though others have done so, including Cecily Strong, Molly Shannon, Dana Carvey, and Eddie Murphy. It seems like Yang hasn’t yet commented on his departure.
