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Bowen Yang’s departure from Saturday Night Live may have taken many by surprise, but his close friend and collaborator, Matt Rogers, applauded the bold move during a conversation on Today With Jenna & Friends.
In the Monday (Jan. 5) segment, Jenna Bush Hager of Today sought Rogers’ perspective on Yang’s decision to leave SNL after nearly eight years, highlighting the comedian’s significant presence on the show.
Rogers was quick to acknowledge Yang’s impressive achievements. “Though people are surprised because he was such a staple, he had a remarkable run—seven and a half years, five Emmy nominations, countless unforgettable characters and sketches, and participation in the [SNL50: The Anniversary Special],” he elaborated. Rogers added, “There was even a chance for an episode with Ariana [Grande] and Cher. What more could he have accomplished by staying?”
Reflecting on a clip of Yang tearing up during his final Saturday Night Live episode, Bush Hager described the scene as “so beautiful.” She remarked, “You could sense he was ready to move on, yet the show had given him so much.”
Rogers agreed, noting, “That’s what makes leaving tough—you know the daily experience is incredible. But sometimes, you have to leave the party a bit early. You don’t want to be the last one there.”
Rogers went on to share how “proud” he was to witness Yang’s tenure on the show since he had been by Yang’s side from the very beginning when he first auditioned for the show. “I could cry,” Rogers said as he recounted how Yang, “against a lot of odds, became the face of that show.”
He said he reminded Yang, “Not only did you succeed here, you thrived here. I just couldn’t be prouder of him.”
SNL‘s Christmas episode, which aired Dec. 20, was an emotional sendoff for Yang. The comedian and actor could not hold back his tears as Grande and Cher embraced him in his final moments on the show.
“I just feel so lucky that I ever got to work here,” Yang said on the show. “I just wanted to enjoy for a little bit longer, especially the people. I’ve loved every single person who works here because they’ve done so much for me, especially my boss.”
But the Wicked actor has many projects coming down the pipeline. Rogers shared that he and Yang have many plans for future, telling Bush Hager they are “busy as hell.”
The pair will be heading to Milan for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which they will be covering for their podcast, Two Guys, Five Rings: Matt, Bowen & The Olympics.
Today with Jenna & Friends airs on weekdays at 10/9c on NBC.
