Bowen Yang On Breaking Stereotypes On SNL: ‘I Never Want To Play A F—ing Inanimate Object Ever Again’

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For over 50 years, Saturday Night Live has welcomed a variety of hosts and musical performers to join its comedians and entertain audiences on Saturday nights. The show relies heavily on fast-paced humor and references to current events. Bowen Yang, a long-time cast member, understands this formula and generally accepts it, but he’s expressed a desire to challenge and move beyond typical stereotypes as he continues his work on SNL.

I recently listened to a fascinating conversation between Hasan Minhaj and Marc Maron, and they really dug deep into what makes comedy work. Beyond talking about the Shane Gillis situation, they had a surprisingly philosophical discussion about getting laughs. Maron made a great point – he finds it much more rewarding when a joke isn’t just easy, but actually makes the audience think a little bit. He said that ‘working’ for a laugh is harder, but the payoff is so much bigger.

I’ve always loved the pace of Saturday Night Live, and Yang pointed out something I totally agree with – it’s all about those quick, rapid-fire jokes. That’s really been the show’s signature style for as long as I can remember, and it’s what makes it so unique.

It sounds like you’re pointing out that my approach to writing for SNL might be off. I’m focused too much on getting quick laughs – both from the audience and for myself – instead of something more substantial. It’s like we’re prioritizing immediate gratification because we only have a couple of days to write the sketches, so we just fill them with easy jokes.

It appears Yang is enthusiastic about participating, but hasn’t spent much time considering if ambitious or unusual comedy would be successful on SNL. However, he also shared his thoughts on the predictable and easy jokes the show’s writers often give him, and how he discusses those situations with them.

I’ve realized I never want to portray objects or stereotypical characters again. I’m tired of being typecast in predictable roles. It feels like people have certain expectations of me, and I’m actively trying to challenge those assumptions and break free from them. I don’t want to be limited by what others think I should be doing.

He’s become a popular performer on “Weekend Update,” known for playing silly characters like the Titanic iceberg – a sketch he even helped write! He’s also played topical characters like the Chinese spy balloon. Now that he has more influence on the show, he’s trying to avoid pitching these kinds of obvious ideas, as well as easy jokes about his identity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

What people find funny is really a matter of opinion, and what the general public likes often differs from what comedy professionals enjoy. It’s similar to asking a scholar of Russian literature for their opinion on the Twilight books. Succeeding on a show like Saturday Night Live is difficult – many cast members have been let go – and requires being willing to compromise your own comedic vision and embrace more mainstream humor, even if the show’s creator, Lorne Michaels, changes or cuts your ideas.

Bowen Yang explained to Marc Maron that even when Saturday Night Live attempts really quirky or unusual sketches – like some of Kyle Mooney’s work – they often don’t have the same impact as simpler, character-based humor, like Bowen’s portrayal of Moo Deng.

While more unusual and experimental work exists, it doesn’t seem to attract the same level of attention or appreciation.

There’s been talk that Bowen Yang might be looking for new opportunities soon. While some predicted he’d leave Saturday Night Live after Season 51, that didn’t happen. Instead, SNL decided to let go of cast members Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, and Michael Longfellow, while keeping on established players like Yang, Colin Jost, and Michael Che – a surprising move for many.

I first discovered Yang when he joined the show back in 2018, and I was so thrilled when he became a regular player in Season 47! Since then, he’s really taken off – I’ve loved seeing him in things like The Wedding Banquet and the new Wicked movie. Plus, he’s doing great work with his podcast and other projects. Honestly, I’ve been expecting to hear he might move on eventually, but I’m enjoying every moment of his performances while I can, even if he’s playing a non-speaking role!

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2025-11-27 19:09