The Iceberg is finally melting away from Rockefeller Center.
In a stunning announcement just hours before the holiday broadcast, reports have confirmed that Bowen Yang will leave Saturday Night Live after tonight’s episode. The mid-season finale, hosted by his close friend and Wicked co-star Ariana Grande, will serve as Yang’s final bow on the sketch comedy institution.
According to The Cut, the decision was Yang’s own. “He has been there for seven years. It is time to move on,” a source close to the production stated. The departure marks the end of a defining era for the show, as Yang has arguably been its breakout star since joining the cast in 2019.
A Perfect Send-off
If you have to leave SNL, doing it alongside Ariana Grande and Cher is the way to go.
Tonight’s episode was already highly anticipated as the Christmas finale, but it has now morphed into a tribute night for Yang. Grande, who stars opposite Yang in the recent Wicked films (Part Two, Wicked: For Good, hits theaters this week), reportedly helped facilitate the timing to ensure they could share the stage for his goodbye.
Fans are already speculating that the episode will feature a “passing of the torch” moment or a final, extravagant musical number. It is a fitting end for a performer known for his high-concept musical sketches and pop culture deep dives.
Making History
Yang’s impact on the show cannot be overstated. He joined the writing staff in 2018 before being promoted to the cast in 2019, becoming the first Chinese-American cast member in the show’s 50-year history.
He quickly proved to be a scene-stealer. He earned five Emmy nominations during his tenure, thanks to unforgettable characters like the “Iceberg That Sank the Titanic,” the confident and chaotic George Santos, and his recent viral turn as Moo Deng, the baby hippo.
“Bowen didn’t just appear in sketches. He changed the voice of the show,” said TV critic Alan Sepinwall. “He brought a queer, internet-literate sensibility that SNL desperately needed.”
The Season 51 Exodus
Yang’s exit is the latest blow to a cast that has been hemorrhaging talent.
The start of Season 51 saw a “mass exodus” of veteran players, with Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, and Devon Walker all declining to return last September.11 At the time, Yang stated in interviews that he felt he “still had more to do,” which makes his sudden mid-season departure all the more shocking.
He joins a short list of legends who left in the middle of a season, including Eddie Murphy, Dana Carvey, and Cecily Strong.
What’s Next?
Don’t expect Yang to disappear. He is currently on a massive press tour for Wicked: For Good, where he plays Pfannee. He also continues to co-host the cultural phenomenon podcast Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers, which recently announced a 2026 live tour.
For now, SNL fans are preparing for an emotional night. As one user on X (formerly Twitter) put it: “First Moo Deng, now this? I can’t handle any more goodbyes.
Will you be watching Bowen’s final episode tonight? Share your favorite Bowen Yang sketch in the comments.
