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Bowen Yang<\/strong><\/a> is reportedly saying goodbye to Saturday Night Live<\/em><\/a> \u2014 and fans are already bracing themselves.<\/p>\n According to Variety<\/em><\/a>, the 35-year-old comedian and breakout fan favorite is expected to exit the long-running sketch show following the Saturday, December 20 episode, which will be hosted by his Wicked costar Ariana Grande<\/strong><\/a> with Cher<\/strong><\/a> as the musical guest. While NBC and SNL have not officially confirmed the news, the timing alone feels symbolic: a major pop culture moment marking the end of an era.<\/p>\n Yang first joined SNL during season 44 as a writer before quickly making history as the show\u2019s first openly gay male cast member when he was promoted to featured player the following year. By season 47, he was a full-fledged repertory player \u2014 and one of the show\u2019s most reliable scene-stealers, known for his sharp delivery, viral characters, and Weekend Update appearances that often stole the episode.<\/p>\n So\u2026 why is he leaving? For now, that part remains unclear. No official reason has been given, and Yang himself hasn\u2019t publicly addressed the reported exit.<\/p>\n But his departure comes amid a massive cast shake-up that reshaped the show ahead of season 51.<\/p>\n Earlier this year, several cast members exited, including Heidi Gardner<\/strong> and Ego Nwodim<\/strong>. Nwodim confirmed her departure with a heartfelt Instagram post, writing, \u201cThe hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight. But after seven unforgettable seasons, I have decided to leave SNL.\u201d She added, \u201cI am immensely grateful to Lorne for the opportunity, to my castmates, the writers, and the crew for their brilliance, support, and friendship.\u201d<\/p>\n While Variety<\/em> later reported that circumstances surrounding Nwodim\u2019s exit shifted after initial announcements were made \u2014 prompting her to pursue opportunities outside the show \u2014 the result has been a noticeable wave of change behind the scenes.<\/p>\n Gardner, who joined SNL in 2017 and became one of its longest-serving cast members, also departed ahead of season 51. Though she hasn\u2019t publicly commented on her exit, her close friendship with Nwodim was well documented. \u201cWe have a very special relationship,\u201d Nwodim said in a 2024 interview with The Wrap.<\/em> Gardner echoed the sentiment, adding, \u201cWhat I learned the most in that time about Ego was how respectful and wonderful she is.\u201d<\/p>\n Other recent exits included Devon Walker<\/strong>, Emil Wakim<\/strong>\u00a0and Michael Longfellow<\/strong> \u2014 the latter of whom many fans expected to stick around longer.<\/p>\n Interestingly, Yang himself reflected on the cast turnover earlier this year on his podcast Las Culturistas, calling Gardner \u201cone of the greats\u201d and praising her generosity. \u201cIt was one of the most beautiful, kindest gestures I\u2019ve ever seen at that show,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n