WASHINGTON — Bowen Yang is set to depart from “Saturday Night Live” halfway through his eighth season.

Yang’s concluding appearance as a cast member is scheduled for Saturday, December 20, with Ariana Grande taking the helm as host and Cher providing the musical entertainment.

In a statement released on Saturday morning, Yang expressed, “My experience at SNL was deeply fulfilling, primarily due to the incredible people I worked with.”

“During my tenure, the world often seemed daunting, yet my time at 30 Rock taught me the importance of perseverance. The people made it all worthwhile, and I cherish every moment spent there,” he added.

Yang joined “SNL” as a writer in 2018 before becoming a featured player in Season 45 and a main cast member in Season 47. At the time, he made history as the show’s first Chinese-American cast member, and one of its first openly gay comedians. 

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Yang made the decision to depart the sketch comedy series himself. 

Over his tenure, he earned four Emmy nominations for supporting actor in a comedy series and became one of the show’s most recognizable performers, known for characters ranging from the Titanic iceberg on Weekend Update to portrayals of politicians, like George Santos.

Yang’s statement went on to include extensive thank yous to those who impacted his time on the show, including showrunner Lorne Michaels, whom he thanked “for the standard. And for bringing everyone at work together.”

“They all care deeply about people in the room, any room, enjoying themselves. I can’t believe i was ever included in that,” he added.

His departure comes during a period of major turnover for the show. Ahead of Season 51, several cast members exited, including Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, Emil Wakim and John Higgins. 

In a September interview with People, Yang said he decided to stay for Season 51 after showrunner Lorne Michaels told him, “You have more to do.”

“That man has changed my life, and I owe a lot of my life to that show. And I love working there, the people are the best. I really love each of them so much,” Yang said at the time. 

While uncommon, Yang’s midseason exit is not unprecedented. In Season 48 of the series, Cecily Strong also departed after the December holiday episode. 

Outside of “SNL,” Yang co-hosts the popular podcast “Las Culturistas” with Matt Rogers and starred on “Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens.” In addition to his role in the “Wicked” franchise, his film credits include “Fire Island,” “Dicks: The Musical” and “The Wedding Banquet.”