What To Know
- Yang joined Saturday Night Live as a writer ahead of Season 44 in 2018 and became a cast member in Season 45.
- Yang expressed gratitude for every minute spent on the show and said he still struggled to believe he was ever included in the experience.
- His tenure marked several historic milestones, including becoming the first featured player nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series category.
Bowen Yang exits Saturday Night Live after seven seasons in emotional finale
The lights at Studio 8H dimmed on a major chapter of late-night comedy as Bowen Yang officially said goodbye to Saturday Night Live. The December 20, 2025 episode marked Yang’s final appearance after seven seasons on the iconic NBC series. Hosted by his Wicked co-star Ariana Grande, the night unfolded as an emotional and cultural moment that quickly traveled far beyond New York. From Hollywood timelines to Dubai social feeds, the farewell sparked conversation everywhere.
The Final Sketch That Closed The Chapter
Yang’s goodbye came through a Delta Lounge sketch where he played an employee working his last shift. The scene leaned into sincerity as Yang spoke about missing the space, the scent of the room, and the celebrities who passed through. Grande entered the sketch mid-call, gently asking him to come home, shifting the moment from comedy into something deeply personal.
The scene soon transformed into a musical farewell as Yang and Grande performed “Please Come Home for Christmas” by the Eagles. The moment reached its peak when Cher joined them on stage to complete the song. The studio audience responded with extended applause as Yang stood visibly emotional, thanking the people who made his time on the show meaningful.
Instagram Confirmation And A Personal Message
Yang confirmed his departure later that night on Instagram, sharing a carousel of images from his years at SNL. In his caption, Yang spoke openly about what working at 30 Rockefeller Plaza meant during difficult global moments. He wrote about learning the discipline behind comedy and thanked writers, cast members, crew, and longtime executive producer Lorne Michaels.
Yang expressed gratitude for every minute spent on the show and said he still struggled to believe he was ever included in the experience. The post appeared one day after Deadline reported that his exit would take place during the December 20 episode.
A Career That Changed The Show
Yang joined Saturday Night Live as a writer ahead of Season 44 in 2018 and became a cast member in Season 45. His tenure marked several historic milestones, including becoming the first featured player nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series category. He later earned repertory status in Season 47.
During his time on the show, Yang received four acting Emmy nominations and one writing nomination. His work contributed to a broader shift in representation and storytelling within the series, earning praise from audiences and peers alike.
Cast Changes And What Comes Next
Yang’s midseason exit follows a wave of cast departures after the landmark 50th season. Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, and Emil Wakim exited ahead of Season 51. New cast members this season include Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska. Ben Marshall joined the cast, while Martin Herlihy remained on the writing staff.
Earlier this year, Yang told People magazine that conversations with Michaels encouraged him to stay for Season 51. Despite that decision, the December episode ultimately became his farewell.
Bowen Yang’s final night on Saturday Night Live delivered humor, gratitude, and closure in equal measure. The episode closed one of the most influential chapters of his career while opening anticipation for what comes next. From Studio 8H to Dubai screens, the moment resonated widely and reminded audiences why Yang’s presence mattered so deeply to modern comedy.
