Bowen Yang, Kenan Thompson, Sarah Sherman Discuss SNL Longevity
9 reported
In a recent conversation with Variety, former "Saturday Night Live" cast member Bowen Yang, along with current cast members Kenan Thompson and Sarah Sherman, discussed their experiences on the show, their legacies, and the possibility of staying with the program long-term. Yang, who joined "SNL" as a writer in 2018 and became a cast member in 2019, left the show in December 2025. He reflected on how shooting the "Las Culturistas Culture Awards" with podcast partner Matt Rogers reminded him of the "dream factory" that was "SNL." Thompson, who has been on the show for multiple digit years, expressed a willingness to stay forever, while Sherman, who has been on the show for five years, discussed the challenges of balancing outside projects. The trio spoke backstage after the "Saturday Night Live" Emmy FYC event at the Television Academy.
What’s reported
Bowen Yang joined "SNL" as a writer in 2018 and joined the cast in 2019.
Yang left "SNL" in December 2025.
Yang said shooting the "Las Culturistas Culture Awards" reminded him of the "dream factory" that was "SNL."
Kenan Thompson said he might be willing to stay with "SNL" forever.
Thompson described the sadness of seeing cast members leave, comparing it to being an "empty nester."
Sarah Sherman has been on "SNL" for five years and said she has only managed to produce a stand-up special during that time.
Thompson noted that Fred Armisen did a whole other sketch show ("Portlandia") while on "SNL."
Yang said he could clock the moment Sherman became a reliable go-to for Weekend Update slots.
Thompson said the cold open is "the mature territory of the show."
Key figures
Bowen Yang: former "SNL" cast member and writer
Kenan Thompson: current "SNL" cast member
Sarah Sherman: current "SNL" cast member
Matt Rogers: Yang's podcast partner
Lorne Michaels: "SNL" creator (mentioned in conversation)
Eddie Murphy: former "SNL" cast member (mentioned in conversation)
Aidy Bryant: former "SNL" cast member (mentioned in conversation)
Fred Armisen: former "SNL" cast member (mentioned in conversation)
Sudi Green: "SNL" writer (mentioned in conversation)
Celeste Yim: "SNL" writer (mentioned in conversation)
Sources: Variety
