Bowen Yang bids farewell to SNL after seven seasons in star-studded final sketch

Bowen Yang bid farewell to Saturday Night Live on the show’s Christmas episode, ending a seven-season run with an emotional final sketch that featured Ariana Grande and Cher. The 35-year-old comedian appeared in character as a Delta airline worker making eggnog on his final day on the job, delivering a tearful rendition of 'Please Come Home For Christmas' with Grande by his side. The farewell came after Yang announced on Saturday that he would not be returning to the NBC sketch comedy.

Yang joined SNL in 2019, during Season 45, and over seven seasons developed into a breakout performer and a regular on the show’s ensemble. In the closing moment, Yang told the audience that he felt lucky to have worked at SNL and that any future success would be thanks to the place. He has also been a frequent collaborator off the show, co-hosting the Las Culturistas podcast with Matt Rogers since 2016. On Instagram, he reflected on the experience: 'I have loved every single person who works here because they have done so much for me, especially my boss. 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.'

Yang's exit follows a wave of cast departures ahead of season 51, with fellow performers Heidi Gardner and Ego Nwodim among those leaving the series. His announcement earlier on Saturday surprised fans, ending a seven-season run that began in 2019.

Beyond SNL, Yang has kept a high-profile presence and is poised to pursue other projects while continuing to work on Las Culturistas. He has spoken about the show as a living, growing organism that evolves as new performers arrive, a sentiment he shared with People magazine in April. The departures this season mark a turning point for the NBC program as it reshapes its on-air lineup.