Bowen Yang's Final "Saturday Night Live" Sketch Is Making Everyone So "Emotional," And I Get It

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"If this sketch didn't make you cry, you have no soul."

Bowen Yang just took part in his very last sketch as a cast member of Saturday Night Live, and, to be honest, I'm an emotional wreck.

Two people in a festive airport lounge pose happily, with holiday decorations and a plane visible outside the window

The 35-year-old actor and podcast host became visibly emotional during his final sketch, in which he played a Delta One Lounge employee with a broken eggnog machine alongside the episode's host, Ariana Grande, and musical guest Cher.

Person dressed in formal attire at a Delta Sky Club counter, decorated with candy canes and holiday ornaments, speaking on a phone

The final sketch served as the perfect send-off for Bowen, who announced his mid-season departure on Dec. 20.

Person in a festive setting wearing a formal vest and bow tie, standing in front of a decorated tree and a counter with holiday decor

Ariana portrayed a nostalgic family member, reminiscing and singing with him over the phone, paying homage to Bowen's writing and sketch performances.

Two individuals on a video call, one in winter attire, the other in formal wear with a vest and bow tie, both smiling and holding phones

When Ariana's character, Rhonda, eventually joined him to finish their song, that's when it became clear that Bowen was struggling to hold back the tears through the occasional jokes.

Two people in festive holiday attire embrace in a Delta Sky Club lounge with holiday decor in the background

Bowen took the opportunity through his character to thank all his coworkers for their support.

Two people pose in front of a Delta Sky Club sign. The person on the left wears a wig and a sweater, leaning on the other person in a vest and bow tie

After shouting out his boss, the supervisor appeared, played by Cher, obviously representing Bowen's real-life SNL boss, Lorne Michaels.

Two people smiling on a festive set; one in a vest and bow tie, the other in a sparkling top and black jacket, possibly during a celebrity event

Bowen was on SNL for about eight seasons. He first joined as a writer in 2019, eventually became the first Chinese American repertory player in SNL history, and the third openly gay man.

Person wearing a black jacket with a floral accent on the collar, smiling at an event

As clichéd as it may be, representation matters. For me, watching someone like Bowen being so unapologetically himself (which is very gay and always online) was inspiring and a breath of fresh air. Thanks, Bowen.

Person with short hair and glasses smiles in a black suit adorned with decorative pearl-like buttons

It's easy to say that throughout the SNL episode, Bowen shared moments that were definitely emotional, but the final sketch really resonated with everyone. Here's what some people were saying:

"This legit made me sad.. Bowen trying not to cry early on. I hope he still shows up every once in a while but all the best to him with his future projects."

Comment from a user expressing sadness about Bowen leaving. They hope he appears occasionally and wish him well with future projects

"If this sketch didn't make you cry, you have no soul. What a bittersweet yet perfect send off, onward to your next adventure Bowen!"

Comment praising a sketch as a bittersweet send-off and wishing Bowen well on a new adventure

"At the Delta One Lounge now, crying into our eggnog. Cheers to you being brave enough to achieve a dream and start new a dream."

Delta's post with eggnog reference and message about bravery in achieving dreams. Includes 8,140 likes and sentimental emojis

"The fact you got two gay icons both young and old to farewell this gentleman whos made a lasting impact on LGBT and Asian representation in comedy ... absolute beauty, cinema... Cher and Arianas show, but Bowen made this moment his. Farewell and best of luck good sir."

Comment praising a person's impact on LGBT and Asian representation, highlighting a farewell moment involving Cher and Ariana

"He's the best thing to happen to SNL in along time. He saved that show and every time I saw him I'd smile because I knew even if the skit sucked, he was going to make me laugh. What a loss."

Social media comment praising someone for revitalizing SNL and their ability to make the commenter laugh, expressing sadness at their loss

"That is BY FAR the best goodbye sketch any cast member has ever had. Ari, Cher?! Goodbye to his faves? So cool. Congrats Bowen, you deserve the world."

A social media comment praises a cast member's farewell sketch, mentioning celebrities Ari and Cher, and congratulates Bowen on his achievements

"An important human... Bowen represents the best in America and humanity."

Comment praising Bowen as an important figure, representing the best in America and humanity

"Watching this live, I genuinely got emotional. Bowen, you have no idea how much we will miss you."

Comment from user expressing emotional farewell to Bowen, highlighting their impact and how much they will be missed

"this was a cute way to say pay homage to bowen for his work on snl. well that was emotional."

Comment praising Bowen's SNL work, calling it a "cute way to pay homage," and describing the tribute as emotional

"Bowen learned from Cecily that leaving alone in Christmas gets you a proper send off and I'm happy for him, I wish we had a proper send off for Ego and Heidi."

Comment expressing happiness for Bowen getting a proper send-off at Christmas, wishing the same for Ego and Heidi, with a crying emoji

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