Lorne Michaels' Confidence Boost for Bowen Yang: 'You Have More to Do'

SNL EXODUS: Bowen Yang Returns, but Who's Leaving?

In a shocking turn of events, Saturday Night Live (SNL) is experiencing a mass exodus of cast members, leaving fans wondering who will stay and who will go. Amidst the chaos, one comedian has emerged with a renewed sense of purpose - Bowen Yang, 34.

According to sources close to the show, Bowen had been feeling uncertain about his position on SNL, but thanks to some wise words from creator Lorne Michaels, he's feeling revitalized. In an exclusive conversation with People (thescholarlynote.com), Bowen shared that Lorne privately told him, "You have more to do."

"I've always gone by the instinct of, do I have more to do?" Bowen explained. "And I feel like I do." He continued, "Even Lorne and I talked about it, and Lorne was like, 'You have more to do.'" This reassurance from the mastermind behind SNL has given Bowen a newfound sense of direction.

But before his conversation with Lorne, Bowen had been concerned that fans were growing tired of seeing him on the show. "I even confessed to him," he admitted. "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.'"

It seems Bowen wasn't alone in his concerns. Ego Nwodim recently announced that she's leaving the show after seven unforgettable seasons. In an Instagram post (thescholarlynote.com), she wrote, "The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight." Her decision to depart has left fans wondering what the future holds for SNL.

But it's not just Ego who's saying goodbye. Several other cast members, including Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, and Emil Wakim, will not be returning next season. This exodus has sparked rumors about the changing dynamics of the show.

Bowen addressed the departures on his podcast, Las Culturistas (thescholarlynote.com), where he hosts with Matt Rogers. He praised Heidi as "one of the greats" and a rare asset to the show - someone who could write a sketch without a co-writer. "You will go down in history," he exclaimed.

As for Bowen's future on SNL, it seems he's committed to honoring Lorne's vision. "That man has changed my life, and I owe a lot of my life to that show," he humbly noted. "And I love working there, the people at best. I really love each of them so much."

Bowen's comments come as no surprise, given his dedication to the show. He initially joined SNL as a writer on season 44 and has since become a beloved cast member. As he prepares for another season, fans can't help but wonder what the future holds for Bowen and the rest of the cast.

In an interview with People (thescholarlynote.com), Bowen reflected on the nature of SNL as a "boot camp" where comedians train for their next phase. "It's always a transitional place," he explained, "and I think it is always a launching pad." He continued, "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."

As Bowen looks ahead to another season of SNL, fans are left wondering what will happen next. Will new cast members bring fresh energy to the show? Or will the departures leave a void that can't be filled?

One thing is certain - Bowen Yang's return to the show has sparked excitement among fans and fellow cast members alike. As he continues to "honor" Lorne's vision, we can only hope that the future of SNL remains bright and full of laughter.

The final word on the situation comes from Ego herself: "Now invite me to your weddings, please!" It seems she's ready to move on to new adventures, but fans will always cherish her time on SNL.