The December 20, 2025 Saturday Night Live brought down the curtain on the year with a festive, star‑studded hour that doubled as the final SNL appearance for Bowen Yang. Hosted by Ariana Grande and featuring Cher as musical guest, the show balanced holiday cheer with heartfelt goodbyes.
Grande kicked off her third hosting gig with a clever and musical monologue that playfully riffed on seasonal stress, showcasing both her comedic chops and vocal range. Cher’s appearance as musical guest fused legendary star power with holiday spirit, offering performances that delighted longtime fans and added gravitas to the night.
But the emotional core of the episode was Yang’s farewell. After seven seasons on SNL, the comedian delivered a memorable final sketch set in a Delta Lounge, portraying a retiring employee on his last shift. In a mix of comedy and sincerity, Yang thanked his castmates, crew, and audience, visibly moved as he reflected on his time at Studio 8H. Grande joined him in the moment, and Cher’s presence in the closing performance amplified the sentiment, rounding out a tribute that was as funny as it was poignant.
The episode also brought back fan favorites, including a reunion with Aidy Bryant for the beloved Trend Forecasters sketch. Humorous cold opens and Weekend Update bits added the traditional SNL balance of satire and absurdity, keeping the energy high even as the night acknowledged a transition.
Yang’s departure marks the end of an era; as one of the show’s most creative voices and a trailblazing figure as its first Chinese American cast member, his legacy on SNL will be felt well beyond his final bow. With the show now heading into its midseason break and new episodes slated for early 2026, this holiday episode served as both a celebration and a meaningful goodbye.