Bowen Yang Skipped SNL Live, But He Was Still There!

Your favorite Saturday Night Live star, Bowen Yang, wasn't live in Studio 8H this week, but he had a huge reason — and he still popped up!

TL;DR

• Bowen Yang missed the October 18, 2025, SNL episode to accept the prestigious Vantage Award at the Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles.
• Despite his absence from the live show, Yang contributed to the writing and appeared in a hilarious pre-taped sketch alongside host Sabrina Carpenter.
• SNL creator Lorne Michaels personally convinced Yang to return for Season 51, reassuring him despite his worries about audience fatigue.

A Star-Studded Night in the City of Angels: Bowen Yang's Major Award Celebration

Okay, so if you tuned into Saturday Night Live this past weekend on October 18, 2025, and noticed a certain fan-favorite was missing from the live sketches, don't worry—you weren't imagining things! Bowen Yang, the hilarious and groundbreaking cast member, actually skipped the live broadcast from Studio 8H in New York City. But before you panic, he had a genuinely fantastic reason to be away.

Yang, who is 34 (or possibly 35, depending on which article you read, but let's say his early thirties), was in Los Angeles attending the fifth annual Academy Museum Gala at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. And get this: he wasn't just there to mingle with stars; he was there to receive a seriously impressive honor! Bowen was presented with the Academy Museum's Vantage Award. This award is a big deal, recognizing emerging artists who challenge traditional narratives in film and television, bringing fresh, diverse voices and perspectives to our screens.

Talk about a reason to miss work, right? It's not every day you're celebrated for trailblazing laughter, heart, and representation! He even gave a shout-out to the show and the host from afar, showing there were no hard feelings about missing out.

"Missing the show tonight but it will be sooooo fun, Sab is amazing."

— Bowen Yang, via Instagram Stories, referring to host Sabrina Carpenter

The gala itself was a star-studded affair, with other icons being honored. Music legend Bruce Springsteen received the Legacy Award, while the incredible Penélope Cruz was presented with the Icon Award. Walter Salles was also honored. It truly was a night dedicated to celebrating the best in cinema, and Bowen Yang was right there among the giants!

Still Bringing the Laughs: How Bowen Yang Stayed on "Saturday Night Live"

Even though Bowen wasn't physically in New York for the live broadcast, he's such a team player that he made sure his presence was felt! Sources confirmed that he had been hard at work all week, contributing to the writing of the episode. So, even if you didn't see him physically on stage for every sketch, his comedic touch was definitely in the script.

But wait, there's more! Yang actually popped up on screen in a pre-taped sketch that had everyone talking. He starred alongside host Sabrina Carpenter in a music video sketch called "Middle School Lovin'," also referred to as "Grind Song." In it, they played hilariously awkward middle schoolers getting ready for (and then attending) a school dance where they, well, "break the rules" and "grind" on each other. It was pure, relatable, cringey-but-funny gold.

Bowen's lyrics in the sketch perfectly captured that adolescent vibe: "You know it girl, it's finally time. I see you eyeing me at school. It's been on both of our minds, and I'm feelin' grown, twelve sprays of my dad's cologne." And then the iconic chorus that sums up the sketch's premise: "We're breaking the rules and I know that it's wrong, but it's feeling so right. We're thirteen, but tonight is the night — we're going to grind."

His pre-taped appearance proved that even with a major award ceremony calling, Bowen Yang is committed to the SNL audience. And let's not forget Sabrina Carpenter's monologue where she playfully joked that Yang was the mysterious man featured on her "Man's Best Friend" album cover. Classic SNL meta-humor!

Sabrina Carpenter's Big "Saturday Night Live" Debut as Host and Musical Guest

While Bowen was off making history, the show itself was in excellent hands with pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter. This marked her very first time pulling double-duty as both host and musical guest, and she absolutely crushed it! She delivered hits from her album, "Man's Best Friend," and showcased some impressive comedic chops she honed as a child star.

The episode kicked off with the return of a beloved character in the cold open: Domingo! Marcello Hernández's romantic party crasher once again humiliated Andrew Dismukes' Matt as Chloe Fineman's Kelsey was focused on Matt's 30th birthday, only to be joined by her "Kelsquad" singing about Nashville... and Domingo. "D-O-M-I-N-G-O, Domingo!" they sang, much to Matt's chagrin.

Politics weren't entirely absent, though pop culture definitely took center stage. James Austin Johnson returned as President Donald Trump, appearing on a podcast hosted by "Snack Homiez," a group of 12-year-old boys (and one 13-year-old "unc") played by Carpenter and other cast members. They discussed "GOATed" vegetables and best Halloween candies. Johnson's Trump, true to form, meandered off topic, declaring his love for "Ding Dongs" and Little Debbie, then praising George Santos after his recent commutation, stating, "He's weird. He's a liar. I think he's great... It's a 'Yes, King' march."

Another standout sketch was "Shop TV: Pillow," a sequel to previous unintentionally-obscene product segments. Carpenter played Virginia Duffy, a sweet, wide-eyed inventor of ergonomic travel pillows. Unfortunately, when the pillows were displayed, hosts Mikey Day (Rhett) and new Season 51 cast member Ashley Padilla (Bev) quickly realized they looked... a lot like certain anatomical parts. "Not the best angle on that," Day's Rhett sputtered, trying to maintain composure as Virginia explained the "outer" and "inner" "labia—LAYERS." Bev even quipped, "Oh, not since my sophomore year of college" when asked if she'd felt anything like the vibrating pink ball on the pillow. The sketch hilariously followed in the footsteps of previous "Shop TV" segments featuring Adam Driver's chocolate Santa, Michael Keaton's Jumbo Zombie Eyeball cookies, and Jerrod Carmichael's doll maker.

It was a packed episode, despite a delayed start due to college football, proving that SNL continues to deliver the laughs, no matter what.

"You Have More to Do": Why Bowen Yang Returned for Season 51

Bowen Yang's commitment to SNL is clear, and it turns out, we have the show's legendary creator, Lorne Michaels, to thank for him returning for Season 51. Yang opened up recently, sharing that he almost didn't come back, feeling like maybe audiences were getting tired of him. But a heart-to-heart with Lorne changed everything.

"I've always gone by the instinct of, do I have more to do? And I feel like I do. Even Lorne and I talked about it, and Lorne was like, 'You have more to do,' and that means a lot, because I even confessed to him. I was like, 'I feel the audience is maybe getting sick of me.' And he was like, 'That's not true. There's more for you to do. I need you.'"

— Bowen Yang, on his conversation with Lorne Michaels about staying on SNL

That kind of validation from Lorne Michaels is huge. Yang admitted, "I have to honor that. That man has changed my life, and I owe a lot of my life to that show. And I love working there, the people are the best. I really love each of them so much." It’s clear the bond and the creative environment keep him coming back. He's also embracing a new, more spontaneous approach, saying he's not going into the season "with a game plan" anymore. "I like having no road map. If there's any place to do that, it's SNL, where it's week to week. Sometimes you're up for the challenge. Sometimes you show up even if you aren't, and that's kind of what makes interesting things happen."

A Dynamic Shift: "Saturday Night Live" Season 51's Evolving Ensemble Cast

Season 51 has certainly been a season of change for Saturday Night Live. The cast saw a "dramatic shakeup" before the season kicked off, with several veteran stars departing. Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, Heidi Gardner, and Ego Nwodim all exited the show before this season. It's always bittersweet when beloved cast members move on, but it also opens the door for new talent and fresh dynamics. New featured players, like Ashley Padilla who appeared in the "Shop TV" sketch, are already making their mark. The writers' room also saw some changes, ensuring the show keeps its creative energy flowing.

Yang touched on this evolution, describing SNL as a "boot camp" and a "launching pad." He explained that even for long-standing cast members, the show helps "expand his possibilities." It’s a place where talent hones their craft before moving on to new adventures, a cycle that keeps the show vibrant and exciting. His presence, alongside other mainstays, provides that valuable anchor as new faces arrive and the show continues to reinvent itself.

What's On the Horizon: Upcoming "Saturday Night Live" Guests You Won't Want to Miss

Even with cast changes and special absences like Bowen's, SNL keeps rolling out fantastic talent. Get ready for some great hosts and musical guests lined up for November 2025:

• November 1: Miles Teller (host, his second time) with musical guest Brandi Carlile.
• November 8: Comedian Nikki Glaser (making her hosting debut) with musical guest Sombr.
• November 15: Glen Powell (also making his hosting debut) with musical guest Olivia Dean.

You can catch Saturday Night Live live on NBC every Saturday at 11:30/10:30c, or stream episodes the very next day on Peacock. So mark your calendars!

Final Thoughts on Bowen Yang's Special Night and SNL's Resilience

So, there you have it! Bowen Yang's absence from the live SNL stage was for a truly monumental occasion, and he still found a way to be part of the show's magic. It speaks volumes about his dedication and the dynamic nature of Saturday Night Live—a show that continues to evolve, celebrate its stars, and deliver laughs week after week. We're certainly glad Lorne convinced him to stick around!

FAQ: Your Quick Questions About Bowen Yang and "Saturday Night Live" Answered When did Bowen Yang miss the SNL episode? He missed the live Saturday Night Live episode on Saturday, October 18, 2025. What award did Bowen Yang receive? Bowen Yang received the prestigious Vantage Award at the fifth annual Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles. Was Bowen Yang completely absent from the SNL episode? No! While he wasn't there live, he helped write for the episode and appeared in a pre-taped sketch titled "Middle School Lovin'" (also known as "Grind Song") with host Sabrina Carpenter. Where can I watch the latest SNL episodes and other content? You can watch Saturday Night Live live on NBC on Saturdays at 11:30/10:30c. Episodes are also available to stream the next day on Peacock. Sources

• Various news outlets as of October 2025 (Content generated from provided articles).