URGENT UPDATE: Bowen Yang has confirmed that he is not done with “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) yet, as creator Lorne Michaels reassured him of his future role on the iconic show during a recent conversation. Speaking at the One House Toast to the Emmys celebration on Friday, Yang revealed, “Lorne was like, ‘You have more to do,’ and that means a lot.”
Yang’s comments come at a crucial time as SNL faces a significant cast exodus ahead of its upcoming Season 51. Recently, fan-favorite Ego Nwodim announced her departure, joining a growing list of former cast members including Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Emil Wakim, and Devon Walker, who all exited within the last month. The shake-up follows Michaels’ statements about a “pressure to reinvent” the show, indicating that big changes are on the horizon.
The 34-year-old star expressed emotional sentiments about saying goodbye to longtime co-stars, noting, “What I’ve always thought, what I think everybody knows, is that ‘SNL’ is this boot camp and that implies that there is a next phase you train for something else.” Yang emphasized the transitional nature of the show, stating, “It’s always a launching pad.”
He also shared that he appreciates the unpredictability of SNL, admitting, “I let [a game plan] go and I think it served me well.” This approach allows for spontaneous creativity, which he believes is essential in the live comedy environment.
As Yang prepares for his sixth season, he expressed gratitude toward Michaels, saying, “That man has changed my life, and I owe a lot of my life to that show.” With new cast members Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska joining the ensemble, Yang is excited to see what the future holds for both returning and departing cast members.
As SNL gears up for its premiere on October 7, 2023, fans are left wondering how these changes will impact the show’s dynamic. With Yang’s fresh insights and the arrival of new talent, the upcoming season promises to deliver unexpected twists and innovative comedy.
Stay tuned as we continue to provide updates on the latest developments at SNL and how these changes will unfold in the coming weeks.