Fans of ‘Saturday Night Live’ Wonder if Bowen Yang Will Exit the Show Following the Season 50 Finale

Behind the Scenes: Cast Speculations Stir Fans

It’s funny how some mornings surprise you with unexpected news. Saturday Night Live fans found themselves buzzing over rumors surrounding Bowen Yang and his potential exit following the 50th season finale. There he was, on stage, hugging his fellow cast members – and maybe it was just me, but there seemed to be an air of finality about it.

During the emotional ‘Goodnights’ segment on May 17, Yang appeared particularly somber as he embraced Sarah Sherman. The moment caught viewers’ attention, sparking whispers of a possible departure. You could feel the speculation grow when the network cut away mid-segment for commercials – but the full scene found its way online soon after, keeping the rumor mill turning. If you’re curious, you can catch that moment here.

The chatter online was relentless. “If Bowen is leaving I won’t be shocked,” one fan wrote. Another simply asked, “Um. is Bowen also leaving?????” It’s hard not to get swept up in it all, isn’t it? I mean, I’ve always thought that even if actors decide to move on, their presence lingers on.

Michael Che fueled similar whispers earlier this year during a stand-up gig at the University of Rochester. He playfully told fans it would be his last season – though it’s hard to say with comedians whether they’re serious or just poking fun. And then there’s Heidi Gardner, who opened up on Craig Ferguson’s podcast about feeling sketch fatigue in her eighth season. It reminded me of those times when creativity just hits a wall.

Mikey Day has been another key player since joining as a writer in 2013 before stepping in front of the camera in 2016. His take on future plans was cryptic: “Who knows what the future will bring?” Meanwhile, Ego Nwodim described the lead-up to the anniversary special as akin to planning a wedding – a build-up to something monumental, yet filled with uncertainty.

Elsewhere in the finale, Scarlett Johansson finally got her long-awaited payback on husband Colin Jost during ‘Weekend Update’. She joined him on stage with a cheeky grin and presented him with a bouquet before sharing a sweet kiss – a light-hearted ending amidst all the speculations.

The world of SNL is always teetering between comedy and reality – each sketch perhaps just as unpredictable as its cast’s future. As one chapter closes with the 50th season, another is already poised to begin. We’ll have to wait and see who returns when season 51 kicks off on NBC this fall.

If you’re intrigued by all this and want more details, NPR did a nice piece reflecting on SNL’s cultural impact over the years – check that out here.