Fan-Favorite Star Pays Tearful Tribute to ‘SNL’ After 8 Years in Final Sketch: ‘This Is My Last Shift’

Bowen Yang said goodbye to “Saturday Night Live” in the most fitting way possible, with a heartfelt final sketch that also marked his last appearance on the show. Yang closed out Saturday night’s episode with an emotional farewell after news broke Friday that the longtime cast member would be departing the series mid-season, bringing his eight-season run to a close.

Bowen Yang’s Final ‘SNL’ Sketch Becomes a Fitting Farewell

NBC

The final sketch of the night centered on Yang playing a flight attendant working his last shift at the Delta One lounge after the eggnog machine broke.

“This is my last shift. It’s sad. I’m gonna miss everything about this place. The way it smells. The celebrities who come through. Just last week, Josh O’Connor came through,” Yang said, referencing the previous week’s host.

As the sketch unfolded, Yang grew visibly emotional, using humor to reflect on change, creative risk, and the people who shaped his time on the show.

Ariana Grande and Cher Join the Emotional Moment

Tonight’s host Ariana Grande, who co-starred with Yang in the “Wicked” films, appeared in the sketch as a family member of his character.

“I wish you were home but I’m so proud of you and all the eggnog you’ve made over the years. Some of it was great, some of it was rotten,” Grande said.

“And a lot of it got cut,” Yang replied. “But you know, I also think eggnog’s kinda like me. It’s not for everyone, but the people who like it are my kinda people.”

The moment turned musical as the two sang together. They were later joined onstage by Cher, who played the boss of the eggnog maker.

“Oh, Rhonda, I should have come home earlier,” Yang said while choking up. “I just feel so lucky that I ever got to work here. And I just wanted to enjoy it for a little bit longer. Especially the people. I’ve loved every single person who works here. Because they’ve done so much for me, especially my boss.”

Yang’s Eight-Season Journey on ‘Saturday Night Live’

Yang first joined “Saturday Night Live” as a writer in 2018 during Season 44. He became a featured cast member in Season 45 and was promoted to repertory player in Season 47.

According to the BBC, his mid-season departure follows several cast exits ahead of Season 51, including Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, and John Higgins. While leaving mid-season is uncommon, it has happened before with cast members like Cecily Strong, Molly Shannon, and Dana Carvey.

What’s Next for Bowen Yang

Outside of “Saturday Night Live,” Yang co-hosts the pop culture podcast “Las Culturistas” with fellow comedian Matt Rogers. This year, the duo turned their annual Las Culturistas Awards into a full televised event, airing on Bravo and Peacock.

Yang also reprised his role as Pfannee in the fall hit “Wicked: For Good” and is writing and starring in an upcoming comedy for Searchlight Pictures alongside Rogers.

NBC

During the final goodnights, host Ariana Grande offered a touching send-off that summed up the night’s emotion.

“And Bowen Yang, we love you so much! Goodnight!”

It was a fitting close to a chapter that helped shape “Saturday Night Live,” and to a performer who exited the stage with gratitude, humor, and heart.

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