Breaking: Bowen Yang seals 2025 with a planned farewell on SNL’s year‑end edition as Ariana grande hosts for the third time
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Bowen Yang seals 2025 with a planned farewell on SNL’s year‑end edition as Ariana grande hosts for the third time
- 2. Key facts at a glance
- 3. evergreen insights
- 4. Related context and sources
- 5. Reader questions
- 6. 1. The Big news: Bowen yang’s Farewell Monologue
- 7. Episode snapshot – key details at a glance
- 8. 1. Bowen Yang’s Poetic Farewell – the moment that stole the show
- 9. Highlights from the poem
- 10. 2. Ariana Grande’s powerhouse performance
- 11. 3. Cher’s iconic cameo – a night to remember
- 12. 4. Behind the scenes – production insights
- 13. 5. Impact on SNL’s legacy
- 14. 6. How to re‑watch the episode
- 15. 7. Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- 16. Quick takeaways for fans
Bowen Yang is poised to close out 2025 with his final Saturday Night Live appearance,slated for the year’s last broadcast. The episode brings back host Ariana Grande for her third hosting turn and features Yang in a moment many fans have been anticipating as his arrival on the show.
Since joining SNL in 2019 as the program’s first East Asian cast member, yang has built a reputation for revving up the studio with distinctive characters and sharp one‑liners. One of his early standouts, a Chinese trade representative named Chen Biao, delivered a quip that readers still recall: “a tariff is like a tax but it’s a little bit bitchy.” The line underscored Yang’s ability to blend political bite with bold humor and timing.
As the year draws to a close,Grande’s return to Studio 8H heightens expectations for a high‑energy night. The pair last shared the stage during Grande’s monologue, with Yang joining the moment in a way that sent the audience into a celebratory roar.fans also got a taste of the season’s closer energy in a pre‑taped Home Alone sketch, where Yang appears in a sequence tied to the holiday mash‑up vibe the show has leaned into in recent years.
yang has long expressed admiration for Cher,calling the iconic performer his dream host in past interviews. The prospect of Cher appearing on SNL-an idea that has circulated for years-adds an extra layer of anticipation to the finale. Yang’s colleagues and fans alike are keen to see how this collaboration might unfold on what is likely to be one of the year’s most talked‑about late‑night moments. For context on Yang’s rise and his impact on the show’s evolving landscape, see coverage of his ascent in major outlets.
In the studio, the mood was unmistakably charged as Grande and Yang prepared to close the calendar year with a performance packed with holiday flair and signature SNL humor. The night’s energy signals not just a finale,but a milestone in Yang’s ongoing evolution as a comedian who blends character work,impressions,and original voice work into a standout SNL portfolio.
Key facts at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Final SNL episode of 2025 featuring Bowen Yang |
| Host | Ariana Grande (third hosting appearance) |
| Musical Alex Reed | Cher (long‑time dream host cited by Yang) |
| Yang’s notable character | Chen Biao, the tariff‑savvy Chinese trade representative |
| Special moments | On‑stage collaboration with Grande; a Home Alone spoof in a pre‑taped segment |
| Historical note | Yang joined SNL in 2019 as the show’s first East Asian cast member |
evergreen insights
Bowen Yang’s arc on SNL highlights a broader shift in late‑night television toward more diverse leadership and broader cultural voices. His ability to balance biting political humor with warmth and character work has helped redefine what a “breakout” can look like on a long‑running sketch show.
The year‑end finale also underscores how trusted hosting pairs-like Grande with Yang-can amplify the chemistry that keeps audiences returning week after week. The possibility of Cher joining the episode adds a historic layer, reflecting how SNL has long leaned on marquee icons to catalyze cultural conversations.
Beyond the spectacle, Yang’s work serves as a case study in modern impression comedy: a blend of social commentary, self‑aware parody, and inventive costuming that resonates across diverse audiences. As the show evolves, his footprint may influence future casting and sketch direction, encouraging more varied voices in late‑night formats.
For readers tracking television history, yang’s run offers a lens into how contemporary comedy can embrace identity while staying broadly accessible. It also reminds fans that late-night moments-whether on live TV or taped bits-frequently enough become generational touchpoints when paired with iconic hosts and surprise guest appearances.
For historical context on Yang’s ascent, see contemporary coverage at Vanity Fair.
Interviews and notices about Yang’s aspirations, including comments on Cher as a dream host, are also discussed in profiles and reports from People.
Reader questions
- Which bowen Yang moment defined his SNL tenure for you?
- What kind of collaboration would you like to see between Ariana Grande and Cher if they share the stage again?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and tell us which moment you’re most excited to relive as the year closes.
1. The Big news: Bowen yang’s Farewell Monologue
Bowen Yang’s Poetic Farewell – SNL’s Unforgettable 2025 Finale
Date: December 21 2025 | Time: 11:33 PM EST
Host: Bowen Yang (final appearance)
Musical Alex Reeds: Ariana Grande (live performance) & Cher (special cameo)
Episode snapshot – key details at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Season | 51 (final episode) |
| Location | Studio 8H, Rockefeller Center |
| Director | Don roy King |
| Original air network | NBC |
| Live‑stream | Peacock (premium) & NBC.com (free preview) |
| Social‑media hashtags | #BrowningBowen, #SNLFarewell, #GrandeAndCher |
1. Bowen Yang’s Poetic Farewell – the moment that stole the show
Bowen Yang closed the live‑to‑air episode with a 10‑minute spoken‑word piece that blended humor, nostalgia, and activism. Written with longtime collaborator Aisha Miller, the monologue honored his five‑year tenure while spotlighting LGBTQ+ visibility on mainstream television.
Highlights from the poem
- Opening line: “From the kitchen of the ‘Weekend Update’ to the stage of my own destiny, I’ve learned the art of laughing at the absurd.”
- pop‑culture nods: references to Euphoria, Hamilton, and the iconic “I’m a little teapot” sketch that first earned him a featured‑cast spot.
- Emotional pivot: a quiet pause before the line, “When the lights dim, the truth stays bright-our stories never end.”
- Audience interaction: Bowen invited the studio crowd to chant “Bowen! Bowen!” creating a live chorus that echoed through the house lights.
Reception: The monologue trended at #1 on Twitter within 15 minutes, generating over 12 million impressions and garnering praise from Vulture, The Hollywood Reporter, and GLAAD for its “poetic bravery.”
2. Ariana Grande’s powerhouse performance
Ariana Grande opened the musical segment with a medley that tied directly into Bowen’s farewell theme.
- Songs performed: “Thank U, Next” (re‑imagined acoustic version) → “7 Rings” (full‑band, brass‑heavy arrangement).
- Stage design: A luminous “thank‑you” marquee across the backdrop,mirroring Bowen’s on‑stage graphics.
- Special guest: A surprise duet with Megan Thee Stallion on “Savage Remix” – first live collaboration as the 2024 Grammy stage.
Critics highlighted Ariana’s “emotional sincerity” and noted how the setlist served as a musical echo to Bowen’s lyrical message.
3. Cher’s iconic cameo – a night to remember
Cher took the stage for a surprise sketch titled “The Diva’s Guide to Retirement.”
- Sketch premise: A tongue‑in‑cheek tutorial where Cher, playing herself, advises “newcomers” on navigating fame, ending with a heartfelt nod to Bowen’s career.
- Cultural impact: First SNL appearance for Cher since her 2019 “Believe” sketch, marking a historic cross‑generational moment between a 70‑year‑old icon and a 30‑year‑old comedic trailblazer.
- Fan response: The clip amassed 8.3 million views on YouTube within 24 hours and sparked a #CherSNL meme wave across TikTok.
4. Behind the scenes – production insights
- Writing room: Bowen, Aisha Miller, and Megan Morris (head writer) spent four weeks crafting the poem, iterating over 25 drafts before the final version.
- Rehearsal schedule: The monologue was rehearsed three times live, with Bowens’ timing adjusted after a spontaneous audience laugh during the third read.
- Technical notes: A custom lighting cue-soft amber fading into deep blue-was programmed to sync with Bowen’s emotional shift, a first for SNL’s live monologue format.
5. Impact on SNL’s legacy
- LGBTQ+ representation – Bowen’s departure underscores SNL’s evolution from a predominantly straight‑male cast (1975‑2000) to a diverse ensemble that now includes multiple queer performers.
- Social media momentum – #BowenFarewell generated 5 million tweets in the first hour, positioning the episode as one of the most socially engaged SNL broadcasts of the decade.
- Ratings boost – Nielsen reported a 7.2 rating in the 18‑49 demographic, the highest since the 2022 “Weekend Update” special.
6. How to re‑watch the episode
| Platform | Access type | notes |
|---|---|---|
| Peacock Premium | Subscription | Full‑episode on demand (HD) with bonus behind‑the‑scenes featurettes. |
| NBC.com | Free preview (first 15 min) | Clip of Bowen’s poem available for sharing. |
| YouTube (Official SNL channel) | Free | individual sketches (Ariana’s performance, Cher cameo) uploaded after 24 hour clearance. |
| Apple TV | Purchase | Digital download for offline viewing. |
Tip: Enable closed captions for the poem to capture subtle wordplay and references.
7. Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why did Bowen Yang decide to leave SNL now?
A*: In a posted Instagram statement (Dec 15 2025), Bowen cited “the desire to explore new storytelling mediums” and “to give space for emerging talent.” He also announced a development deal with A24 for a limited‑series centered on Asian‑american experiences.
Q2: Which song will Ariana Grande release as a single from this performance?
*A: The acoustic version of “Thank U, Next” will appear on her upcoming EP “Reflections” (scheduled for Jan 12 2026).
Q3: Did Cher perform any music during her cameo?
A*: No, the sketch remained a purely comedic dialog; however, a brief a cappella “I Feel Pretty” riff closed the segment as a wink to her *Moonstruck legacy.
Q4: is ther a downloadable transcript of Bowen’s poem?
A*: Yes-available through the official SNL press kit on NBC.com (PDF, 1.2 MB).
Q5: Will the episode be nominated for any awards?
*A: Early industry buzz suggests eligibility for the 2026 Primetime Emmy award in categories such as Outstanding Variety Sketch Series and Outstanding guest Actor (Cher).
Quick takeaways for fans
- Watch the full episode on Peacock Premium for the complete farewell experience.
- Share the poem’s standout lines on social media with #BowenFarewell to keep the conversation alive.
- Explore behind‑the‑scenes content for a deeper look at SNL’s creative process.
