Upon tuning into the latest episodes of Saturday Night Live, Bowen Yang, a former cast member, reflects on his time spent on the show and the transition to watching from the outside. The surprise exit in December 2025 left fans wondering how Yang would adjust to life beyond SNL. In a recent interview with People magazine, Yang shared his thoughts on watching the show now that he’s no longer a part of the cast.
The transition has been an interesting one for Yang, who admits that watching SNL after his departure feels different. Having been a writer for the show before taking on a starring role, Yang now views the sketches with a sense of relief, free from the emotional baggage that came with being a part of the production process. The newfound freedom to simply enjoy the show has been a welcome change for the Wicked star.
While the adjustment away from SNL has been described as both “bizarre” and “fun” by Yang, he does acknowledge occasional feelings of nostalgia for being back in the sketch comedy environment. Watching the show without the pressures of being directly involved has given him a fresh perspective on the experience.
Yang took to Instagram to address his departure from SNL, expressing gratitude for the seven years spent on the show and the relationships built during his time there. He credited the experience with teaching him valuable lessons about himself and others, and expressed appreciation for the camaraderie among the cast and crew.
In a previous interview with Esquire, Yang reflected on how his time on SNL helped him balance the challenges of fame. The demands of the show required him to be proactive and take charge of his career, serving as a counterweight to the passive nature of celebrity status.
As Bowen Yang continues to navigate life post-SNL, his reflections on the experience offer a glimpse into the complexities of transitioning from one chapter to the next. The journey from cast member to viewer has provided him with a new perspective on his time with the show, highlighting the growth and change that comes with moving forward in the industry.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.