Why did Bowen Yang leave Saturday Night Live despite Lorne Michaels wanting him to stay? Everything we know so far

Three days before his last show on Saturday Night Live, Bowen Yang shared a farewell post on Instagram. The Canadian-American actor and comedian joined SNL almost six years ago in 2019. He has appeared in 126 episodes so far, playing multiple characters. The 35-year-old actor appeared on his last show playing a Delta flight lounge attendant.

The main reason why Yang finally decided to leave the late-night live sketch comedy variety show is that he was "overcommitted" with his projects outside of the show.

According to an exclusive report from Page Six, Bowen was asked to say by Lorne Michaels. A SNL insider revealed to the outlet:

"Everyone tried to get Bowen to stay, from Lorne down... But he just made up his mind, he was over it. He was not happy, you could tell... Bowen actually only signed up to December, but we all thought he would stay. No one thought he would go [now]."

The insider also clarified that there was no event or incident that triggered Yang's departure from the show. They added:

"You can always tell when a cast member is done... It's a grueling schedule. It's a tough thing to do, just from the [lack of] sleep alone... It was too much to do it all."

They also shared that Bowen was given a raise to remain on SNL. However, on another note, the SNL source revealed that the people on the show are supportive of Bowen Yang's decision. In their words:

"Everyone at the show is supportive of him and his decision."

What other commitments does Bowen Yang have outside of SNL?

As mentioned, Bowen Yang is an actor and a comedian, but he is also a podcaster and a writer. Aside from SNL, Yang has appeared in Wicked and Wicked: For Good, playing the role of Pfannee. Yang had to take time off from SNL while they were shooting both films. According to Page Six, Ariana Grande herself called Lorne Michaels, asking for Yang's time off.

Back in October, Yang had to miss a show because he was in Los Angeles, accepting a Vantage Award at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

Furthermore, one of his side projects is co-hosting the Las Culturistas podcast with Matt Rogers. The duo is co-writing and co-starring in a new comedy for Searchlight, Deadline reported this month. The name is yet to be revealed.

Yang also has a list of TV series and film-related projects to complete.

While he was in character for an SNL sketch, Yang said:

"I just feel so lucky that I ever got to work here and I just wanted to enjoy it a little bit longer, especially the people."

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Bowen Yang is leaving Saturday Night Live after nearly six years and 126 episodes. He decided to step away because he was overcommitted to many projects outside the show. The SNL team supports his decision, and Yang said he feels grateful for his time on the show.

Also read: Bowen Yang bids farewell to SNL with a heartfelt message

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