Bowen Yang's Emotional SNL Farewell: Final Sketch with Ariana Grande and Cher
Bowen Yang's Emotional SNL Farewell
Bowen Yang has left Saturday Night Live midway through his eighth season, marking a surprising end to his tenure on the iconic sketch show. The comedian, who joined as a writer in 2018 before becoming a beloved cast member, bid goodbye during the Christmas episode on December 20. Fans were stunned when news of his departure broke earlier this week, confirmed via his heartfelt Instagram post thanking producer Lorne Michaels.
Memorable Final Sketch with Ariana Grande and Cher
Yang's last appearance featured an emotional skit as a Delta One lounge employee on his final eggnog shift. Teary-eyed, he reflected on fond memories and shared laughs with fellow castmates. Host Ariana Grande, star of Wicked, and musical guest Cher joined the scene, amplifying the star power. Yang expressed deep love for the SNL family, saying, "I've loved every single person who works here," in a moment that captured his signature humor and vulnerability.
What's Next for the Comedy Star?
Though Yang hasn't disclosed reasons for leaving, speculation points to exciting projects ahead. His sharp wit and versatile performances, from celebrity impressions to viral sketches, leave a lasting legacy. As SNL's 51st season continues, fans eagerly await his future endeavors, proving his talent transcends Studio 8H.
About the People Mentioned
Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur born on June 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida. She first gained public attention as an actress playing Cat Valentine on the Nickelodeon TV series *Victorious* (2010–13) and its spin-off *Sam & Cat* (2013–14). Her early career also included Broadway, notably starring in the musical *13* in 2008[3][4]. Transitioning from acting to music, Grande released her debut album *Yours Truly* in 2013, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and established her as a prominent pop and R&B artist. She followed this with a series of successful albums, including *My Everything* (2014), *Dangerous Woman* (2016), *Sweetener* (2018), *Thank U, Next* (2019), *Positions* (2020), and *Eternal Sunshine* (2024). Her music is noted for her impressive vocal range and blending of pop, R&B, and trap influences. Grande has earned multiple Grammy Awards, with *Sweetener* winning her first Grammy and *Thank U, Next* producing Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles like "Thank U, Next" and "7 Rings"[1][2]. In addition to music, Grande has acted in films such as the political satire *Don't Look Up* (2021) and starred as Glinda in the 2024 film adaptation of the musical *Wicked*, earning her a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination for her performance[1][2]. She is one of the best-selling music artists globally, with over 90 million records sold, and has received numerous accolades including multiple American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and Guinness World Records[2]. Beyond entertainment, Grande is known for her advocacy on mental health, LGBTQ+ rights, and social equality. She launched a successful cosmetics brand, R.E.M. Beauty, in 2021 and has a significant presence on social media, ranking among the most-followed individuals on Instagram[2]. Her personal life has included her marriage to Dalton Gomez from 2021 until their divorce in 2024[3][5].
About the Organizations Mentioned
Saturday Night Live
**Saturday Night Live (SNL)** is a pioneering American late-night sketch comedy and variety television show that has aired on NBC since its debut on October 11, 1975. Created by Lorne Michaels, the show was developed to replace Saturday night reruns of *The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson* with original, live comedy content aimed at younger viewers, marking a transformative shift in late-night TV programming[1][2][3][5]. SNL is known for its unique format combining live comedy sketches, political satire, celebrity guest hosts, musical performances, and a recurring mock news segment called "Weekend Update." The original cast, nicknamed the "Not Ready for Prime Time Players," included iconic comedians such as Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, and Dan Aykroyd, many of whom became major stars through the show[1][3][4]. Its blend of edgy humor, topical commentary, and cultural parody quickly earned it a devoted following and a reputation as a cultural touchstone for American comedy. Over its more than five decades on air, SNL has been instrumental in launching the careers of numerous influential comedians and actors, including Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, and Bill Murray. The show has won numerous Emmy and Peabody Awards, reflecting its critical acclaim and impact on television and comedy[5][7]. It remains notable for evolving with changing social attitudes and maintaining a distinct New York identity, broadcasting live from Studio 8H at Rockefeller Center[2][4]. As of 2025, SNL continues producing new seasons, maintaining relevance by addressing current political and social issues through satire and parody. Its longevity and ability to innovate within the comedy and entertainment industry underscore its significance as a business and cultural institution, influencing both television production and popular culture globally[2][6][7].
