Bowen Yang Shares His Thoughts on Watching ‘SNL’ After Leaving: It’s Odd, But Enjoyable
As Saturday Night Live resumes after its midseason break, Bowen Yang finds himself following the show from afar.
After departing from the NBC comedy sketch series midway through Season 51 in December, Yang, a five-time Emmy nominee, describes his new perspective as “bizarre, but ultimately fun” as he experiences the latter half of the season as an audience member.
“I was in Japan but I was watching,” Yang told People. He noted that he received messages from former colleagues, sharing greetings and expressing mutual affection despite the separation.
Yang reflected on his transition from a seven-season cast member to a viewer, calling it “very strange.” He admitted, “I don’t want to believe that it’s totally bizarre to me, but it’s obviously an adjustment.”
He explained that not being involved in the production process has offered a certain relief. “The emotional baggage of it has been lifted for me. Just watching the sketches every week these past three shows has been great,” he said.
Yang’s unexpected exit from the show was confirmed earlier, culminating with his final appearance in the December 20 episode hosted by Ariana Grande, which featured Cher as the musical guest.
Starting as a writer in Season 44 in 2018, Yang was elevated to the cast the following year. He made history as the first SNL featured player to receive a Primetime Emmy nomination in 2021.
