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Bowen Yang Exits SNL After Record-Breaking Final Episode

12/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Bowen Yang announced his departure from Saturday Night Live (SNL) after December 25 episode, marking a midseason exit.
He joined SNL in 2018 as a writer and became a cast member in 2019, making him first Chinese American cast member.
His final episode drew 5.4 million viewers, the highest since October 2024, and he expressed gratitude for his time.
The departure went against Lorne Michaels' wishes as Yang pursues projects.

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Story summary

Bowen Yang announced his departure from Saturday Night Live (SNL) after December 25 episode, marking a midseason exit.
He joined SNL in 2018 as a writer and became a cast member in 2019, making him first Chinese American cast member.
His final episode drew 5.4 million viewers, the highest since October 2024, and he expressed gratitude for his time.
The departure went against Lorne Michaels' wishes as Yang pursues projects.