Why Our Fave Bowen Yang Was Out on SNL This Week & What's Next!

Wondering where the hilarious Bowen Yang was during Saturday Night Live's latest episode with Sabrina Carpenter? He was off making history, but don't worry, he's definitely sticking around Studio 8H!

TL;DR

• Bowen Yang missed the October 18, 2025 episode of Saturday Night Live for a pre-planned event: accepting the prestigious Vantage Award at the Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles.
• He's officially returning for SNL's 51st season, with show creator Lorne Michaels personally encouraging him to stay because he has "more to do."
• Yang contributed to the script and appeared in a pre-taped sketch for the episode he missed, and will also be seen in the highly anticipated film Wicked: For Good this November.

Don't Fret, Fanilows: Bowen Yang Isn't Ditching SNL

If you tuned into Saturday Night Live on October 18, 2025, eager for your weekly dose of Bowen Yang's comedic genius, you might have noticed a familiar face was missing from the live sketches. Panic not, because while our beloved Emmy-nominated star wasn't physically in Studio 8H, it was for an incredibly fabulous reason: he was in Los Angeles, picking up a major award!

And for those still holding their breath, let's clear the air: Bowen Yang is absolutely, unequivocally returning for SNL's 51st season. There was some chatter about whether his increasingly busy schedule, including his hit podcast Las Culturistas (co-hosted with Matt Rogers) and his role in the upcoming Wicked: For Good film, would mean a departure. But in a recent chat with People, Yang confirmed he's staying put. It seems SNL creator Lorne Michaels himself laid down the law, telling Yang he had "more to do" and, simply, "I need you." That kind of endorsement? Who could say no?

A Red Carpet Night: Why He Was Honored by the Academy Museum

So, what was so important that it pulled Bowen Yang away from a live Saturday Night Live broadcast? Our guy was being celebrated at the 2025 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles. Here, he received the coveted Vantage Award, an honor bestowed upon emerging artists who challenge and recontextualize dominant narratives in television and film. This isn't just any trophy; it's a huge nod from the industry, recognizing his impactful contributions and unique voice.

He wasn't alone in being celebrated either! Yang joined an impressive roster of honorees that night, including the legendary Penélope Cruz, acclaimed filmmaker Walter Salles, and rock icon Bruce Springsteen. Previous recipients of the Vantage Award include stars like Paul Mescal, Michael B. Jordan, and Steve McQueen, putting Yang in truly esteemed company. Talk about a glow-up!

Still A Team Player: His Behind-the-Scenes SNL Contribution

Even though he was soaking up the California sun and accepting a well-deserved award, Yang wasn't completely checked out from his Saturday Night Live duties. A source close to the show confirmed that his absence was pre-planned, allowing him to attend the gala. More importantly, Yang was still actively involved in the episode's creation, helping to write some of the night's material. And if you looked closely, you might have even caught him in a pre-taped sketch!

This commitment speaks volumes about his dedication. Missing a live show is a rare occurrence for Yang; this was only his second time skipping a full live broadcast since joining the cast. The first was during the Paul Rudd Christmas episode in Season 47, when the Omicron variant swept through the cast and crew. He even appeared on stage for the goodnights during Bill Burr's episode in Season 46, despite being "shut out" of that one. So, when he's not there, it's for a truly significant reason!

From Studio 8H to Emerald City: Balancing a "Wicked" Schedule

Yang's career has been on an upward trajectory since he joined Saturday Night Live as a writer in 2018 and became an on-air cast member in 2019. He's given us iconic sketches like his camp masterpiece "The Iceberg on the Sinking of the Titanic," his chaotic Dobby bit, and the heartwarming "We're Trying" with Adam Driver. But balancing a thriving Hollywood career with the demanding schedule of a live sketch show is no easy feat.

Take, for instance, his role as the "delightfully over-the-top" Pfannee in the highly anticipated film Wicked: For Good. While filming for Wicked was underway in 2023, Yang was flying back and forth weekly between the movie's set in London and New York to fulfill his SNL commitments. He candidly described it as a "mentally fraying" experience, but one he wouldn't trade for anything. This dedication highlights why Lorne Michaels was so keen to keep him around for Season 51.

A Heartfelt Conversation with Lorne Michaels

Even comedy titans have moments of doubt. Bowen Yang admitted to People that he once confessed to Lorne Michaels, "I feel like the audience is maybe getting sick of me."

Michaels, ever the mentor, quickly reassured him: "That's not true. There's more for you to do. I need you."

This powerful exchange ultimately sealed Yang's decision to return to Studio 8H, reminding us of the special bond within the SNL family.

A New Era, A New Mindset: Bowen Yang's "Effortless Era"

Now, as he gears up for more Saturday Night Live, Yang is approaching things with a fresh perspective. He's ditched the "rigid game plans" and is embracing a more fluid, "go with the flow" mindset. "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," he shared. This relaxed, self-assured vibe perfectly suits an artist who's consistently pushing boundaries and proving his versatility.

Between his groundbreaking performances on SNL, keeping pop culture alive on Las Culturistas, and charming audiences in upcoming blockbusters like Wicked: For Good, Bowen Yang has truly entered his "effortless era." He’s not just staying iconic and funny; he’s staying booked and busy, and we love to see it!

Sabrina Carpenter Shines and Season 51's Star-Studded Lineup Continues

While Yang was receiving his award, Sabrina Carpenter took the stage as both host and musical guest for the October 18 episode, marking her hosting debut. She even gave Yang a funny shout-out in her monologue, joking that a controversial album cover of hers actually featured Yang helping her up by the hair! Carpenter is no stranger to SNL, having been a musical guest for the Season 49 finale and performing with Paul Simon during the SNL 50: The Anniversary Special.

This Season 51 episode is just one part of a star-studded lineup. The season kicked off with Bad Bunny pulling double duty as host and musical guest (with Doja Cat), followed by Amy Poehler hosting with musical guest Role Model. Looking ahead, you can expect to see Miles Teller return as host on November 26, and newcomers Nikki Glaser and Glen Powell making their hosting debuts on November 8 and November 15, respectively. This season is already packed with talent!

This season also saw a bit of a cast shakeup, with veterans like Heidi Gardner and Ego Nwodim, along with Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, and Emil Wakim, departing the show before the premiere. Their absences have been noticeable, making the consistent presence of beloved cast members like Bowen Yang even more valuable.

What's Coming Next for Bowen Yang (And Where to Catch Him!)

So, what's next for Bowen Yang? First up, get ready to see him in the magical world of Oz! He reprises his role as Pfannee in Wicked: For Good, which hits theaters on November 21. He’ll be joining an absolutely stacked cast including Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Colman Domingo, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, and Peter Dinklage.

And, of course, you can continue to catch him on Saturday Night Live! The show airs live every Saturday at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC and is available to stream on Peacock. Lorne Michaels, the mastermind behind it all, continues to serve as creator and executive producer. We're certainly looking forward to seeing what "more" Bowen Yang has in store for us in this new season.

Because if there’s one thing crystal clear about Bowen Yang, it’s this: he’s nowhere near done making magic, whether it's on the live stage, the big screen, or at a fancy awards gala!

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Bowen Yang & SNL Answered! Is Bowen Yang leaving Saturday Night Live? No, good news! Bowen Yang has confirmed he is returning for SNL's 51st season, with encouragement from Lorne Michaels. Why did Bowen Yang miss the October 18, 2025 episode of SNL? He was in Los Angeles to accept the prestigious Vantage Award at the Academy Museum Gala, honoring emerging artists who challenge narratives in film and TV. His absence was pre-planned. What is the Vantage Award? The Vantage Award is given by the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures to an emerging artist who challenges and recontextualizes dominant narratives in television and film. Past recipients include Paul Mescal and Michael B. Jordan. When can I see Bowen Yang in Wicked: For Good? Wicked: For Good, featuring Bowen Yang as Pfannee, is scheduled to hit theaters on November 21. Where can I watch Saturday Night Live? Saturday Night Live airs live every Saturday at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC. You can also stream episodes on Peacock. Sources

• People Magazine (regarding Bowen Yang's return to SNL)
• Variety (regarding Academy Museum Gala and Yang's absence)
• TVLine.com (confirming pre-taped sketch and absence details)
• JustJared.com (details on Vantage Award and honorees)
• The News Digital (Sabrina Carpenter's monologue mention)
• Bleeding Cool (SNLs 51st season guest list)