Bowen Yang, a former writer and cast member of Saturday Night Livehas been reflecting on his time with the show. After joining in 2018 and leaving in December, Yang recently shared his thoughts during the recording of this year’s Las Culturistas Culture Awards with his podcast partner, Matt Rogers.
The experience brought back memories of his time at SNL, which he described as a dream factory. Yang also discussed the broader state of comedy, suggesting it might be undervalued despite its importance in helping people cope with reality. He admitted to watching SNL as a comfort now, finding it surreal to view the show from the outside.
Reflections on Leaving SNL
During a recent Emmy FYC event at the Television AcademyYang, along with Kenan Thompson and Sarah Sherman, shared their experiences with Variety. Thompson, who has been with SNL for many years, expressed curiosity about what it’s like to leave the show.
Yang admitted he didn’t have any plans to return to SNL but joked about the possibility of hosting the show in the future. Thompson, known for his longevity on the show, shared his feelings about seeing cast members leave, comparing it to becoming an empty nester. He expressed sadness but also pride in watching his colleagues succeed.
The Challenges of Balancing SNL with Other Projects
Sherman discussed the difficulties of balancing SNL with other projects, noting that Yang and Thompson had successfully managed to do so. Yang credited SNL for equipping him with the skills needed for his current projects, while Thompson acknowledged his unique talent and belonging on the show. Sherman, who has been on SNL for five years, admitted she had only managed to produce a stand-up special during her time off.
The conversation also touched on the challenges of creating comedy in the current climate. Thompson emphasized the importance of providing escapism and avoiding the seriousness that can make the job feel more like work. Yang agreed, highlighting the need for hard comedy that offers relief from the darkness of current events.
Revisiting Old Sketches and Future Plans
Thompson shared his experience of revisiting an old sketch called The Devin Avery Showwhich had been cut multiple times but was recently pulled out again. The sketch, which involves a talk show host who agrees with his guests, was described as a fun game that’s hard to perfect. Yang and Sherman also discussed the creative process behind SNL sketches, highlighting the importance of observing and packaging ideas effectively.
As for the future, Yang expressed his gratitude for the skills he gained at SNL, which he believes will serve him well in his future endeavors. Thompson, meanwhile, reflected on his long career and the changes he’s experienced, including giving up his role in warming up the audience before shows. Both Yang and Thompson emphasized the importance of staying playful and providing escapism through comedy.
