Bowen Yang delivered an emotional farewell to “Saturday Night Live” during its latest episode, closing out eight seasons on the iconic sketch comedy stage with a heartfelt holiday duet alongside Ariana Grande. The 35-year-old comedian announced his unexpected mid-season departure just hours before the show aired, sharing a sentimental message with fans and colleagues on Instagram.
Bowen Yang Says Goodbye to 30 Rock
In his post, Yang reflected on the community he found at SNL, writing that he “loved working at SNL, and most of all i loved the people,” before adding that the show taught him the importance of “showing up anyway when people make it worthwhile.”
Yang joined SNL as a writer in 2018, transitioned to on-air appearances the following season, and became part of the main cast in 2021. His promotion marked a historic milestone: he became the show’s first Chinese American cast member and one of only a handful of openly LGBTQ performers to join the main ensemble.
A Career That Expanded Far Beyond SNL
During his run, Yang became one of the show’s most recognizable stars, known for his sharp characters, viral impressions and comedic originality. Beyond Studio 8H, he co-hosts the popular podcast Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers, which later spawned the parody event Las Culturistas Culture Awards on Bravo and Peacock.
He has also built an impressive film and TV résumé, including roles in the Wicked movies, and he is currently co-writing and co-starring in an upcoming comedy for Searchlight Pictures. Over the years, Yang earned multiple Primetime Emmy nominations for his SNL work, cementing his place as one of the show’s standout talents of the modern era.
An Emotional Final Night on SNL
Saturday’s live episode subtly acknowledged Yang’s real-life exit through his final sketch, where he played a weary Delta One Lounge employee on his “last shift,” serving broken eggnog to travelers while expressing how much he would miss the job.
The heartfelt moment culminated in a musical sendoff. Grande — the evening’s host — joined Yang for a moving performance of “Please Come Home for Christmas,” which concluded with a surprise cameo from Cher, the night’s musical guest.
What’s Next for Bowen Yang?
While Yang didn’t disclose the reason for his mid-season departure, his ongoing film and TV commitments suggest a busy slate ahead. With projects in development and continued popularity across media, Yang’s post-SNL trajectory appears poised for major growth. For more entertainment updates and celebrity news, stay tuned to InvestRecords.com.
