Overview
- Yang publicly explained his decision on Monday, saying he had planned to leave after Season 50 but accepted a personal request from SNL creator Lorne Michaels to return briefly as a mentor.
- Yang says Michaels called him at the U.S. Open in August 2025 and asked him to stay for the first half of Season 51 to set an example for several new hires.
- He performed his final episode on December 20, 2025, in a Christmas-themed show hosted by Ariana Grande with Cher as musical guest, and announced his midseason departure then.
- Since leaving, Yang has moved into producing and film work, including a Tony-nominated run as a producer on the Broadway show Titanique and roles in the Wicked films.
- Yang’s explanation prompted a wave of online criticism from some fans who disputed his account of his role on SNL, and the episode highlights how heavy cast turnover between Seasons 50 and 51 has reshaped the show and could affect its staffing and tone next season.