Bowen Yang confirms sudden exit from 'Saturday Night Live': 'I am grateful for every minute'

WASHINGTON, DC: Bowen Yang publicly addressed his decision to leave 'Saturday Night Live' just hours before his final appearance on the long-running NBC sketch show. 

The actor and comedian shared a reflective Instagram post on Saturday, December 20, ahead of the episode, confirming his departure mid-season after nearly eight years as a cast member.

While Yang did not specify the reason for his exit, he emphasized gratitude for his time on the show and the people he worked alongside. His final episode coincided with the show's Christmas broadcast, hosted by 'Wicked' star Ariana Grande.

Bowen Yang reflects on time at 'SNL' ahead of final appearance 

In a lengthy Instagram post shared shortly before his final episode, Yang acknowledged his abrupt departure while reflecting on his experience at 'Saturday Night Live'.

"The show doesn't go on because it's ready but sh-t, I hope I am," Yang wrote, concluding a post filled with photos and videos from his tenure at Studio 8H. 

Yang appeared to dismiss speculation that backstage conflict or internal disputes played a role in his decision to leave. “I loved working at SNL, and most of all I loved the people," he wrote.

"I was there at a time when many things in the world started to seem futile, but working at 30 Rock taught me the value in showing up anyway when people make it worthwhile, I’m grateful for every minute of my time there." 

The comedian also thanked 'SNL' creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels, as well as cast members, hosts and audiences.

"Thank you to Lorne (Michaels) for the job. for the standard. and for bringing everyone at work together,” he wrote. “They all care deeply about people in the room, any room, enjoying themselves. I can’t believe I was ever included in that.”

Yang joined 'Saturday Night Live' in 2019 during Season 45, and became a breakout performer known for characters such as Kim Jong-un and Fran Lebowitz, as well as his work on the 'Weekend Update' desk.

His final episode featured Grande as host, with Cher as the musical guest.

'SNL' cast turnover and Bowen Yang's prior clues

Yang's departure comes amid broader cast turnover at 'Saturday Night Live' following its landmark 50th season.

In recent months, several cast members, including Heidi Gardner, Ego Nwodim, Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, and Michael Longfellow, have exited the show. 

Executive producer Lorne Michaels previously told Puck that the series felt pressure to "reinvent" itself after reaching the 50-season milestone.

Just months earlier, Yang had suggested that he anticipated a longer future at the show.

In September, he told People magazine that Michaels had encouraged him to stay. "Even Lorne and I talked about it," Yang said at the time. "Lorne was like, 'You have more to do'... I have to honor that." 

In April, however, Yang acknowledged that his time at 'SNL' would eventually end. "SNL is this growing, living thing where new people come in and you do have to sort of make way for them," he said. "That inevitably requires me to sort of hang it up at some point."