Bowen Yang Discusses SNL Host Who Hurt Cast Feelings

Bowen Yang, who joined Saturday Night Live (SNL) as a writer in 2018 and became a full cast member by 2019, has had the opportunity to work with many SNL hosts. However, one host stands out for being particularly difficult.

On a recent episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Yang was asked to share his experiences with problematic SNL hosts without revealing any names. He promptly shared a memorable incident.

“This host made several cast members cry during a pre-table read session because he disapproved of their ideas,” Yang revealed, referring to the crucial mid-week pitch meetings.

Although Yang did not name the host, the list of possible candidates includes notable names like Woody Harrelson, Dave Chappelle, Steve Martin, Adam Driver, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Austin Butler, among others.

In June, Yang clarified his stance with Chappelle after appearing together on a January episode hosted by Dakota Johnson, noting that he was simply standing “where I always stand.”

SNL has a long history of difficult backstage behavior from both hosts and guests. For instance, Chevy Chase was known for being challenging to work with, a sentiment echoed by Pete Davidson, who called Chase a “genuinely bad, racist person.” Chase later dismissed the claim with a nonchalant response: "I don't give a crap!"

The early SNL years were also infamous for drug use and wild parties involving the hosts. Seth Green shared a story about his awkward encounter with Bill Murray during a sketch rehearsal, where he ended up being tossed into a trash can, leaving him shaken and in tears.

The 50th season of Saturday Night Live will premiere on September 28 on NBC, and a new film about the show's backstage drama, directed by Jason Reitman, is set to release on October 11.