Bowen Yang Bids Farewell to Saturday Night Live in Heartfelt Final Sketch with Ariana Grande and Cher
Ariana Grande, Bowen Yang and Cher.
Credit:
Saturday Night Live/YouTube
Bowen Yang Wraps Seven-Year Journey on Saturday Night Live
Bowen Yang marked the end of his seven-year tenure on Saturday Night Live on December 20, delivering an emotional farewell during his final episode. The 35-year-old actor took to the stage alongside musical guests Ariana Grande and Cher, reflecting on his time with the iconic show.
Yang portrayed a Delta One Lounge employee, drawing parallels between his character’s last shift and his own concluding moments on the series. The skit culminated in a poignant performance of Charles Brown’s 1960 classic, "Please Come Home for Christmas," where Yang’s emotional delivery resonated with audiences as he sang alongside Grande.
"I just feel so lucky that I ever got to work here, and I just wanted to enjoy it for a little bit longer," Yang said, expressing gratitude for his colleagues. "Especially the people. I’ve loved every single person who works here, because they’ve done so much for me, especially my boss."
In a humorous twist, Cher appeared as Yang’s boss, the "CEO of Eggnog at Delta." When Yang asked for feedback, Cher responded with a playful remark, "Well, everyone thought you were a little bit too gay. But you know what? You’re perfect for me."
The trio continued their song while embracing Yang, who broke down in tears. He concluded his performance by saying, "This place will always be home, but ah, it’s time to go," receiving a kiss from Grande in the process.
Yang’s departure had been anticipated, with reports confirming on December 19 that the show would be his last. Joining SNL in 2019, he made history as the series’ first Chinese American cast member and one of its first openly gay stars.
Prior to his exit, Yang addressed his departure in an Instagram post, reflecting on his fondness for the show and its cast. "I loved working at SNL, and most of all I loved the people," he wrote. "I was there at a time when many things in the world started to seem futile, but working at 30 Rock taught me the value in showing up anyway when people make it worthwhile."
In the post, he expressed gratitude for the lessons learned, stating, "I’m grateful for every minute of my time there. I learned about myself (bad with wigs). I learned about others (generous, vulnerable, hot). I learned that comedy is mostly logistics and that it will usually fail until it doesn’t, which is the best."
A five-time Emmy nominee, Yang also hinted at future projects, saying he would explore new opportunities beyond SNL. He commented on the beauty of life after the show and the importance of family, although he acknowledged at the time that he was not yet ready to leave the SNL family behind.
Reflecting on his journey, Yang mentioned the challenges and insights he faced during his time on the show. "I never thought of myself as a story, even after the Emmy nominations," he remarked, referencing the broader conversations around race and representation that marked his time on SNL.
As Bowen Yang closes this chapter, his impact on SNL and the broader comedy scene remains significant, leaving fans eager to see what lies ahead for the talented performer.
Ariana Grande, Bowen Yang and Cher appear on Yang’s final episode of Saturday Night Live.
Saturday Night Live/YouTube
Bowen Yang in January 2025.
Arturo Holmes/Getty
