Bowen Yang’s Emotional SNL Goodbye Featuring Cher and Ariana Grande

Key Takeaways

• Bowen Yang’s last episode of "Saturday Night Live" aired on Saturday, featuring a heartwarming final sketch
• Yang played a Delta Sky Club employee working his last shift on Christmas Eve, surrounded by fellow cast members
• The skit included a musical performance of "Please Come Home for Christmas" with Ariana Grande and Cher
• Yang became emotional during the sketch, expressing gratitude for his time on the show and the people he worked with
• Yang’s departure follows several other cast members who left the show ahead of Season 51

Introduction to Bowen Yang’s Last Episode
Bowen Yang, a 5-time Primetime Emmy nominee, made his final appearance on "Saturday Night Live" on Saturday, and it was an emotional one. The episode featured a heartfelt final sketch, where Yang played a Delta Sky Club employee working his last shift on Christmas Eve. The character was armed with a broken eggnog machine, adding a touch of humor to the otherwise sentimental scene. As the sketch progressed, it became clear that it was a vehicle to send Yang off, with various cast members coming up to him posing as holiday travelers.

The Emotional Final Sketch
During the sketch, Yang’s character expressed his sadness about leaving the job, stating that he would miss everything about the place, including the way it smells. He also jokingly mentioned the celebrities who come through, including Josh O’Connor, who had hosted the show the previous week. The scene took a more emotional turn when Yang’s character called his elderly wife, played by this weekend’s host, Ariana Grande, and was later joined by Grande and the night’s musical guest, Cher, for a rendition of The Eagles’ "Please Come Home for Christmas." The musical performance was a beautiful tribute to Yang’s time on the show, and it was clear that the cast members were genuinely emotional about his departure.

Yang’s Tearful Goodbye
As the sketch came to a close, Yang broke down in tears, expressing his gratitude for his time on the long-running NBC sketch show. He stated that he felt lucky to have had the opportunity to work on "SNL" and that he would miss the people he worked with. Yang’s emotional goodbye was a testament to the strong bonds he had formed with his fellow cast members, and it was clear that he would be deeply missed. The scene was a poignant reminder of the impact that Yang had on the show and the people he worked with, and it was a fitting tribute to his time on "SNL."

Yang’s Departure and the Future of SNL
Yang’s midseason departure from the show follows several other cast members who revealed they were leaving ahead of the start of Season 51. The departures include Devon Walker, Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, and Emil Wakim, among others. Despite the changes, "SNL" will continue to thrive, with a new episode scheduled to air on January 17, 2026, featuring host Finn Wolfhard of "Stranger Things" and musical guest A$AP Rocky. The show’s ability to adapt to change and evolve with new cast members is a testament to its enduring popularity and influence.

Conclusion and Legacy
Bowen Yang’s final episode of "Saturday Night Live" was a heartwarming tribute to his time on the show, and it was clear that he would be deeply missed by his fellow cast members and fans. The emotional final sketch, which featured a musical performance by Ariana Grande and Cher, was a beautiful sendoff for Yang, and it showcased the strong bonds he had formed with his colleagues. As "SNL" looks to the future, it’s clear that Yang’s legacy will live on, and his contributions to the show will be remembered for years to come. With its talented cast and ability to adapt to change, "SNL" will continue to thrive, and fans can look forward to many more hilarious and heartwarming episodes in the future.