Bowen Yang Departs SNL in Star-Studded Holiday Finale

NEW YORK — The final Saturday Night Live episode of 2025 was a whirlwind of holiday cheer and somber farewells. Hosted by Ariana Grande with musical icon Cher, the night was defined by the sudden, emotional departure of cast standout Bowen Yang.

The End of an Era for Bowen Yang After seven seasons, Bowen Yang officially signed off from Studio 8H. The news, which broke just hours before the broadcast, was solidified in a final “Delta Lounge” sketch. Playing an elderly lounge worker, Yang performed a duet of “Please Come Home for Christmas” with Grande, eventually being joined by Cher.

In a meta-moment that left both Yang and the audience in tears, he remarked, “I just feel so lucky that I ever got to work here… I just wanted to enjoy it for a little longer.”

A Night of Icons The episode featured several high-profile highlights:

• Grande spoofed Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” singing about the awkwardness of buying gifts for people you barely know.
• Making her first appearance as a musical guest since 1987, Cher performed “DJ Play a Christmas Song” and a rock-infused cover of “Run Rudolph Run.”
• Former cast member Aidy Bryant returned to join Yang for a final “Trend Forecasters” segment on Weekend Update.

A Somber Tribute The festive mood was balanced with a heartfelt title card tribute to the late Rob Reiner. Reiner, a Hollywood legend and Season 1 host, was tragically found murdered in his home alongside his wife, Michele, earlier this week. The show honored his massive contribution to the SNL legacy before the final goodnights.