Bowen Yang didn’t just join Saturday Night Live – he helped redefine it. Now, one of the show’s biggest modern breakout stars is officially saying goodbye. Yang is departing SNL following Saturday’s (Dec. 20) episode, making his exit feel especially full-circle with the show hosted by his Wicked: For Good co-star Ariana Grande. 

Yang’s journey at SNL is one for the history books. He first joined the show as a writer in 2018 during Season 44 before quickly proving he belonged in front of the camera. A year later, he was promoted to featured player, and by Season 47, he was firmly cemented as part of the main cast. From that point on, Yang became must-watch television – the kind of performer who could steal an entire sketch with a single line, facial expression, or perfectly timed pause.

His impact goes far beyond laughs. As the first openly gay Asian American cast member in SNL history, Yang brought representation, sharp cultural commentary, and a fresh comedic voice that resonated deeply with a new generation of viewers. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Saturday Night Live (@nbcsnl)

Whether he was playing unforgettable characters or fully committing to absurd, internet-breaking sketches, Yang helped usher SNL into a more self-aware, pop-culture-savvy era, without ever losing the heart of what makes the show iconic.

Yang’s exit also comes amid a season of major cast changes. For instance, Ahead of Season 51, longtime stars like Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, and Emil Wakim departed. While it’s somewhat unusual for a cast member to leave midseason, Yang joins a legendary group of performers who did the same, including Cecily Strong, Eddie Murphy, Dana Carvey, Molly Shannon, and the late Norm Macdonald.

In reflecting on his decision, Yang summed up the SNL experience perfectly, telling People, "SNL, it’s just this moving, living, breathing thing."

His legacy at 30 Rock, though, is already secure. Years from now, when fans talk about the comedians who truly defined their era of Saturday Night Live, Bowen Yang will be at the top of that list.

As he takes his final bow, now’s the perfect time for fans to look back  and laugh by revisiting Bowen Yang’s top 10 most iconic SNL moments. Trust us…every single one proves why his run will go down as one of the most influential in the show’s history.

1. Iceberg on the sinking titanic

2. Bown’s Straight

3. A Proud Gay Oompa Loompa

4. Straight Male Friend

5. Doctor

6. Moo Deng

7. SoulCycle

8. Dobby The Elf

9. CharliXCX

10. No More Slay

Photo Credit: @fayedunaway on Instagram.