Bowen Yang has shared insights into his recent departure from *Saturday Night Live*, explaining that he never perceived himself as a central figure in the long-running sketch comedy series.

Yang concluded his seven-and-a-half-season tenure halfway through season 51, with his final episode airing on December 20th, 2025.

During a discussion with Rachel Sennott for Variety and CNN’s "Actors on Actors," Yang elaborated on his decision to leave.

He stated, "I was kind of resolute the season before, about leaving.

There was a lot of uncertainty about what the show would look like after Season 50.

I was like, ‘I think the show is in a great place without me.’ I never felt like I was that central to it, to be honest."

Despite Sennott's disagreement with his assessment of his role, Yang maintained his perspective, describing his utility as a "weird" one.

He noted, "I never played the dad or the straight-man teacher.

I was always there as the seasoning." For a significant period, Yang was content with this position, appreciating the stability and opportunity it provided in comedy.

Initially, Yang had planned to exit after season 50, which he felt marked the end of an era for *Saturday Night Live*.

However, an intervention from executive producer Lorne Michaels prompted him to extend his stay for a few months.

Yang recounted Michaels' phone call, where he was asked to return to set an example for the new cast members.

"It was the first time I felt someone who made so many things possible for me being like, ‘I need you.’ And I’m like, ‘I’m not going to turn that down,'" Yang explained.

This revelation offers a glimpse into the internal dynamics of *Saturday Night Live* and the personal considerations that influence cast members' decisions to stay or leave, highlighting the unique relationship between performers and the show's leadership.

Season 51 of *Saturday Night Live* concluded on May 16th, featuring Will Ferrell as host and Paul McCartney as the musical guest.