And just like that, Bowen Yang’s time on Saturday Night Live has come to a close.
Shock hit fans of the beloved sketch comedy show like a ton of bricks on Friday when a report surfaced claiming Bowen quit midway through season 51. The report claimed his final appearance would come this weekend alongside host and personal friend Ariana Grande and musical guest Cher. The following day, he confirmed the rumors on Instagram with a lengthy and emotional message, which you can read in full (below):
The news came as a major surprise to viewers everywhere as not only is Bowen a fan favorite on the show whose career is skyrocketing, but he also had just survived creator Lorne Michael’s mass exodus prior to season 51, which sent several mainstays on the show packing.
But despite whether you want to believe it or not, Bowen said his final goodbyes on Saturday… and it was a real tear jerker!
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During the final sketch of the night, Bowen plays the role of an airline employee serving eggnog to travelers in the Delta lounge. In a metaphor to represent his final show, he reveals to Andrew Dismukes and Jane Wickline his “machine is kind of breaking down” so he’s “closing [his] station.”
“This is my last shift. Yeah, it’s sad. I’m going to miss everything about this place. The way it smells, the celebrities who would come through.”
Andrew wishes him well before Bowen’s character’s phone rings. He answers the call from his “wife,” an elderly woman named Rhonda, played by Ariana Grande. She tells him:
“I’m so proud of you. All the eggnog you’ve made over the years. Some of it was great, some of it was rotten.”
Bowen chimes in to add:
“And a lot of it got cut.”
HA! He added:
“But you know, I also think eggnog is kind of like me — it’s not for everyone, but the people who like it are my kind of people.”
The audience cheers as Bowen emotionally breaks into song, poignantly singing the Eagles’ Please Come Home for Christmas alongside Ariana.
The music then cuts as Kenan Thompson enters the scene telling Bowen, “good luck, I’m going to miss you.”
Bowen and Ariana then get back to singing as she tells him:
“I wouldn’t miss your last shift for the world.”
Awww.
The Wicked: For Good co-stars finish the song while hugging before Bowen breaks down in tears:
“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.”
Cher then enters the scene playing Bowen’s “boss,” the “CEO of Eggnog at Delta.” He tells her:
“Any success I have after this will be thanks to this place. Before I go, do you have any feedback for me?”
Cher jokes:
“Well, everyone thought you were a little bit too gay. But you know what? You’re perfect for me.”
She wraps him in a hug as Bowen laughs through tears:
“This place will always be home but it’s time to go.”
The trio then finish the song together. Watch the tear-jerking sketch (below):
OMG! So sad! We can’t believe that concludes Bowen’s time on SNL! But what an amazing way to go out. He will be missed!
What are YOUR reactions to Bowen’s emotional SNL exit, Perezcious readers? Be sure to let us know in the comments down below!
[Images via NBC/YouTube]