UPDATE: Bowen Yang delivered a heartfelt farewell to “Saturday Night Live” last night, marking his emotional exit with music and laughter alongside Ariana Grande. In the show’s final sketch, Yang portrayed a retiring airport lounge worker on Christmas Eve, serving eggnog while singing “Please Come Home for Christmas.” The poignant moment was made even more special as Grande, the night’s host, and musical guest Cher joined him on stage for a tear-filled send-off.
Yang’s departure comes as a shock for fans as he has been a staple of the show since 2018, when he joined as a writer. He quickly rose through the ranks to become a featured player and then a main cast member. “I just wanted to enjoy it for a little longer,” an emotional Yang confessed during the sketch, as he sprayed co-star Kenan Thompson with eggnog, bringing laughter to the audience.
The show concluded with a tribute to the late director Rob Reiner, while Grande expressed her admiration for Yang, stating, “We love you so much.” Yang, who received five Emmy nominations during his time on the show, has been a fan favorite, known for memorable characters including the Titanic iceberg and a gay Oompa Loompa.
This season’s farewell follows a significant cast exodus last summer, which included several beloved performers. Although Yang had considered leaving earlier this year, he ultimately decided to stay after a heartening conversation with SNL creator Lorne Michaels, who assured him there was still more for him to do. Yang reflected on the impact of the show in an Instagram post, saying, “i loved working at SNL, and most of all I loved the people.”
The emotional night featured Grande kicking off the show with a parody of “All I Want for Christmas is You,” aided by Yang, who drew cheers from the audience. Throughout the episode, the duo appeared in various sketches, including a comedic dance class and a pre-recorded “Home Alone” parody.
Yang’s departure is a notable mid-season exit, akin to Cecily Strong’s farewell last December. As he transitions to new projects—having co-hosted the pop culture podcast “Las Culturistas” and starred in several films—fans are left reflecting on his contributions to the iconic show. Yang’s final appearance on “Weekend Update” alongside Aidy Bryant offered viewers a humorous look at holiday trends, showcasing his range and comedic timing.
As Yang embarks on new ventures, he leaves behind a legacy of laughter and creativity that has resonated with audiences. With his talent and charisma, the industry will undoubtedly be watching closely for his next steps.
Stay tuned for updates as Yang’s post-SNL journey unfolds.
