Bowen Yang delivered an emotional farewell during his final sketch on Saturday Night Live on December 20, 2023. The sketch, themed around holiday travel, featured Yang alongside Ariana Grande and Cher, who serenaded him with the classic “Please Come Home for Christmas.” This poignant moment marked Yang’s departure from the show, where he portrayed a Delta Sky Club employee reflecting on his last shift surrounded by friends.
As the sketch unfolded, Yang, who is 35 years old, became visibly emotional. Grande, aged 32, expressed her disbelief at his departure: “I can’t believe you’re retiring.” Yang replied, “I just wanted to go out on top!” This light-hearted exchange took a heartfelt turn as both artists shared tears during the performance, culminating in a group hug that resonated with the audience.
Earlier in the night, Yang joined Grande for a comedic rendition of Mariah Carey’s festive classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” reimagined as “What Do I Get for Christmas for This Dude,” focusing on the challenges of holiday gift-giving.
Yang’s announcement of his departure surfaced on December 19, 2023, just ahead of the Christmas special featuring Grande as host and Cher as the musical guest. In a heartfelt goodbye note released prior to the show, Yang reflected on his tenure at SNL, which began at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2019. He expressed gratitude for the experiences and lessons learned during his time on the show.
“I’m grateful for every minute of my time there. I learned about myself (bad with wigs). I learned about others (generous, vulnerable, hot). I learned that human error can be nothing but correct,” Yang noted. He continued by emphasizing the importance of community, thanking every cast member for their contributions to his journey.
Speculation about Yang’s exit had circulated earlier in the year following a wistful moment shared with fellow cast member Sarah Sherman during the season 50 finale. Despite this, Yang returned for season 51 after receiving encouragement from SNL creator Lorne Michaels. “I’ve always gone by the instinct of, do I have more to do? And I feel like I do,” he shared with People magazine in September. Yang credited Michaels with instilling confidence in him, stating, “I need you,” reinforcing his sense of purpose on the show.
Prior to his departure, Yang missed an episode of SNL in October to accept the Vantage Award at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures gala in Los Angeles. His final appearance is not only a testament to his growth as a comedian but also a celebration of the relationships he built during his time on the iconic sketch show.
As fans look forward to the return of Saturday Night Live on January 17, 2026, with Finn Wolfhard as host and ASAP Rocky as musical guest, Yang’s heartfelt farewell serves as a reminder of the personal connections and emotional moments that define the series.
