“Saturday Night Live” star Bowen Yang confirmed recent reports that he is leaving the show for good after seven full seasons as a cast member. One of the biggest names on NBC’s beloved comedy show wisely chose Saturday to post his heartfelt goodbye.

“I loved working on SNL and most of all, I loved the people,” Yang wrote on Instagram. “I was there at a time when a lot of things in the world were starting to seem pointless, but working on 30 Rock taught me the value of showing up anyway when people make it worth it.”

The “Wicked” actor shared a carousel of photos, including a group image of the cast, behind-the-scenes looks at various sketches, candid backstage shots and selfies outside the “SNL” studio at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York.

“I am grateful for every minute of my time here,” Yang wrote on Saturday.

He continued, “I learned about myself (bad with wigs). I learned about others (generous, vulnerable, attractive). I learned that human error can’t be anything but right. I learned that comedy is mostly logistical and will usually fail until it doesn’t, which is for the best.”

Yang’s announcement came on the heels of reports from Deadline and Variety that she would be leaving “SNL” midway through its eighth season.

While Cecily Strong made a similar exit in 2022, midseason exits by “SNL” cast members are rare. Names who have done so in the past include Molly Shannon in 2001, Dana Carvey in 1993 and Eddie Murphy in 1984. Norm Macdonald also left mid-season, in 1998, but not of his own volition, as he was fired for his tireless on-air digs at OJ Simpson.

Yang will be leaving the iconic sketch show midway through its eighth season.
Yang will be leaving the iconic sketch show midway through its eighth season.

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Yang, who became a featured player in season 45 and became a regular cast member two years later, thanked dozens of friends, former coworkers, “SNL” pages and past hosts in his announcement. He then recognized the creator of the program, Lorne Michaels.

“Thanks to Lorne for the work,” Yang wrote. “For the standard. And for bringing everyone together at work. Everyone cares deeply about the people in the room, in any room, having fun. I can’t believe they ever included me in that.”

He concluded: “The show doesn’t go on because I’m ready, but s**t, I hope I am.”