Bowen Yang was notably absent from the most recent episode of Saturday Night Live, marking a rare miss for the comedian as the show enters its 51st season.

Yang, 35, took to his Instagram Story on Saturday, October 18, to share, “Missing the show tonight but it will be sooooo fun.”

In his message, he extended his best wishes to Sabrina Carpenter, who took on the dual role of host and musical guest for the episode, adding, “Sab is amazing.”

Despite his physical absence, Yang’s influence was felt in the episode. Reports indicate that he was involved in the writing process and had completed filming a pre-recorded sketch before departing New York City.

Stay tuned for insights into cast changes, leadership shifts, and the much-anticipated return in 2025.

The comedian skipped SNL’s latest live show in order to accept the Vantage Award at an Academy Museum of Motion Pictures gala held at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles. The prestigious award is given to artists who challenge traditional narratives around film.

The annual ceremony also featured Bruce Springsteen receiving the Legacy Award for his contributions to film music, while Penélope Cruz was given the Icon Award.

“The Academy Museum gala is a special evening dedicated to bringing together individuals to champion the celebration, advancement and preservation of cinema,” Academy Museum director and president Amy Homma announced in July. “As we gather for a fifth year, we are honored to recognize Penélope Cruz, Walter Salles, Bruce Springsteen and Bowen Yang — storytellers whose influence has been proven to resonate in film and beyond. We are so thankful to founding supporters of the museum, including our partner Rolex, for their long-standing commitment to cinema, and our co-chairs for hosting this important event.”

Entertainment Weekly reported that Yang received permission well in advance to skip Saturday’s episode so he could be in Los Angeles for the Academy event.

Despite speculation that Yang would leave SNL after season 50, he surprised many by signing up for his sixth season on the sketch show. (Veteran Saturday Night Live cast members Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, Heidi Gardner and Ego Nwodim all left before season 51 kicked off earlier this month.)

Yang later told People in September that SNL creator Lorne Michaels personally encouraged him to come back for another year.

Departures rumors and new arrivals redefine the ensemble before October

“I’ve always gone by the instinct of, do I have more to do? And I feel like I do,” Yang said. “Even Lorne and I talked about it, and Lorne was like, ‘You have more to do,’ and that means a lot, because I even confessed to him. 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.’”

Asked whether it was bittersweet to return without several of his colleagues, Yang replied: “What I’ve always thought, what I think everybody knows, is that SNL is this boot camp, and that implies that there is a next phase you train for something else. It’s always a transitional place, and I think it is always a launching pad.”

“Even for people who stay on the show, like Kenan [Thompson], let’s say, he has still used that show to help expand his possibilities,” Yang went on. “I think that’s going to be true for all of the people who aren’t coming back. I’m so excited to see what they do. I’m excited for the new cast.”

Saturday Night Live’s next new episode airs November 1 on NBC at 11:30p.m ET with host Miles Teller and musical guest Brandi Carlile. SNL has announced that comedian Nikki Glaser and sombr will appear November 8, while Glen Powell and Olivia Dean are booked for the November 15 episode.