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Bowen Yang Returns to "SNL" for Seventh Season,; “There’s More for You to Do,” Lorne Michaels Tells Him
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Bowen Yang, the Emmy-nominated comedian, writer, and the first Chinese-American cast member on "Saturday Night Live" (SNL), will return for a historic seventh season on the long-running NBC sketch show. Yang, who has become a beloved figure among queer viewers, spoke candidly this week about his anxieties over outstaying his welcome and his renewed sense of purpose on the show, following personal encouragement from SNL creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels .
In a recent interview, Yang admitted to experiencing self-doubt about whether his comedic style was still resonating after six successful seasons. “There’s always a fear that the audience is getting bored,” Yang shared, reflecting sentiments familiar to many long-running cast members of the high-pressure, ever-evolving SNL environment .
This uncertainty, Yang explained, led him to seriously consider whether it was time to step aside and allow new voices to take center stage. “I started to worry that maybe my best bits were behind me, and that I was just repeating myself,” he said.
“I've always gone by the instinct of, do I have more to do? And I feel like I do,” the out comic told People Magazine, adding that the show's creator, Lorne Michaels, made it plain that Yang had not work out his welcome: "Lorne was like, ‘You have more to do,’ and that means a lot, because I even confessed to him," Yang realted. "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.’”
“Knowing that someone of Lorne’s stature believes in your potential—it means a lot,” Yang said. “It’s a reminder that as much as you might doubt yourself, your voice matters. There are still stories to tell.”
Yang’s ongoing presence on SNL has had a measurable impact on visibility for LGBTQ+ and Asian-American communities in mainstream media. His sketches and Weekend Update segments have not only drawn critical acclaim, but also resonated deeply with viewers who see themselves reflected in his work. From his viral impersonations to his candid commentaries on identity, Yang has consistently used his platform to address issues such as racism, homophobia, and mental health with both humor and sincerity .
Yang’s return comes at a time when representation in comedy remains a hotly debated topic, with calls for more diverse storytelling both in front of and behind the camera. “When you’re a queer person of color on network television, you’re always aware of the responsibility you carry,” Yang said in a previous interview. “But you also want to be funny first—you want to make people laugh and connect. That’s how you change hearts and minds.”
As SNL enters its latest season, Yang is expected to continue balancing his knack for sharp satire with increasingly personal material. Sources inside the show suggest that Yang will have greater creative latitude this year, developing sketches that explore the nuances of LGBTQ+ life, intersectionality, and the immigrant experience .
