Bowen Yang Bids Emotional Farewell in Final SNL Sketch
Bowen Yang’s surprise mid-season departure from Saturday Night Live brought tears and laughter as he delivered a heartfelt goodbye during his last sketch, joined by Ariana Grande and Cher in a memorable send-off.
Saturday Night Live fans were caught off guard when Bowen Yang revealed he would be leaving the show in the middle of the season. The announcement came on December 19, with Yang’s final appearance set for the following night. Over the past few years, Yang has become a standout on the SNL stage, and his exit marks the end of a memorable era for the late-night comedy staple.
After the news broke, Yang took to social media to share his thoughts, writing,
“I loved working at SNL, and most of all, I loved the people. I was there at a time when many things in the world started to seem futile, but working at 30 Rock [sic] taught me the value in showing up anyway when people make it worthwhile.”
Holiday Special Filled with Star Power
Yang’s last episode was a festive Christmas special, hosted by his Wicked co-star Ariana Grande. The night was packed with holiday-themed sketches and a musical performance by Cher, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. The highlight, though, was Yang’s final sketch, where he played an airport worker clocking out for the last time.
Grande joined him in the scene as his on-screen wife, Rhonda, eager for him to come home for the holidays. The sketch blended humor and sentiment, with Yang reflecting on his time at the airport:
“I’m closing my station; this is my last shift. I will miss everything about this place; the way it smells, the celebrities who come through.”
Grande’s character chimed in,
“I’m so proud of you… All of the eggnog you’ve made over the years!”
The running joke about Yang’s eggnog-making skills brought laughs, as Grande teased,
“Some of it was great, some of it was rotten.”
Yang replied,
“And a lot of it got cut!”
Bittersweet Goodbyes and Musical Moments
As the sketch continued, Grande’s character expressed surprise at Yang’s decision to retire, prompting him to say,
“I just wanted to go out on top.”
Grande quickly quipped,
“Oh, everyone knows you’re a bottom, honey.”
The two shared a heartfelt embrace, with Yang tearing up as he admitted,
“Oh, Rhonda, I should have come home earlier. I just feel so lucky I ever got to work here. And I just wanted to enjoy it for a little bit longer. Especially the people; I’ve loved every single person who worked here, because they’ve done so much for me, especially my boss.”
The sketch took a playful turn when Cher appeared as the CEO of the eggnog company. When Yang asked for her thoughts on his years of service, she joked,
“Everyone thought you were a little bit too gay.”
The cast then joined together for a touching rendition of ‘Bells Will Be Ringing (Please Come Home for Christmas),’ closing out Yang’s time on SNL with both laughter and tears.