Bowen Yang's farewell SNL episode draws highest ratings in over a year

English

The December 20, 2025, Saturday Night Live episode—hosted by Ariana Grande with Cher as musical guest and serving as Bowen Yang's final appearance—drew 5.4 million viewers, the show's most-watched in over a year and the top social media performer of season 51 so far.

This Christmas-themed outing surpassed the season 51 premiere's 4.6 million viewers from October 4 (Bad Bunny host, Doja Cat guest) and marked the biggest holiday episode since 2020's 6.6 million (Kristen Wiig host, Dua Lipa guest).

For comparison, Grande's previous October 2024 hosting gig with Stevie Nicks pulled 5.6 million, while John Mulaney's episode hit the season 50 peak of 6.8 million. On Peacock, the Bad Bunny premiere remains the most-streamed, now trailed by Grande's latest.

Social buzz was massive, with 503 million views across YouTube, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok by December 23—outpacing all of season 50.

Produced by Broadway Video and executive produced by Lorne Michaels, SNL returns January 17 with Finn Wolfhard hosting and A$AP Rocky as musical guest.

Related Articles

Bowen Yang shares emotional SNL farewell hug with host Ariana Grande amid confetti and cheering crowd, with sketch vignettes in background.
Image generated by AI

Bowen Yang bids farewell in Ariana Grande-hosted SNL episode

Reported by AI Image generated by AI

Bowen Yang made his final appearance as a cast member on Saturday Night Live during the December 20, 2025, episode hosted by Ariana Grande. The bittersweet night featured memorable sketches, including a bloody Home Alone parody and an emotional farewell lounge scene with Grande and Cher. Yang's departure after seven years marks a significant change for the long-running sketch show.

Bowen Yang confirms SNL departure in emotional Instagram post

Following reports of his imminent exit, Saturday Night Live cast member Bowen Yang has officially confirmed his departure after seven years, sharing a reflective Instagram post ahead of his final episode airing December 20, 2025, hosted by Ariana Grande.

Bowen Yang to exit SNL after seven seasons

Reported by AI

Beloved SNL cast member Bowen Yang is set to make his final appearance on the long-running sketch show this Saturday. The comedian, who joined as a cast member in 2019 after starting as a writer, will bow out during the episode hosted by his Wicked co-star Ariana Grande. While the exact reason remains unclear, his departure adds to a wave of exits this season.

Entertainment

Harry Styles to host and perform on Saturday Night Live

Entertainment

Sarah Silverman praises Nikki Glaser's Golden Globes hosting

Entertainment

Josh O'Connor Hosts SNL with Lily Allen and Dakota Johnson Appearance

CBS Nashville Big Bash New Year's special hit by technical glitch

The 2025 edition of CBS's Nashville's Big Bash New Year's Eve special faced significant backlash due to a major technical failure and lackluster performances. The show went dark for over 12 minutes during Lainey Wilson's set, abruptly switching to an unrelated scene from a Matlock rerun. Hosts Hardy and Bert Kreisher failed to engage viewers, while the lineup drew mixed reactions.

Harry Styles appears nervous in new SNL promos

Reported by AI

Harry Styles showed a nervous side in promotional videos for his upcoming hosting and musical guest stint on Saturday Night Live. The clips feature playful banter with cast members Jane Wickline and Chloe Fineman. Styles is promoting his new album Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.

Kenan Thompson considers leaving Saturday Night Live

Kenan Thompson, the longest-serving cast member on Saturday Night Live, has admitted he definitely thinks about departing the show after more than two decades. He expressed apprehension about the emotional farewell, describing it as a potential 'drastic change.' Thompson's reflections come amid recent cast shakeups in the show's 51st season.

Nikki Glaser to host Golden Globes 2027 for third time

Reported by AI

Comedian Nikki Glaser has been announced as the host for the 84th annual Golden Globes, marking her third consecutive year in the role. The ceremony will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on January 10, 2027. Glaser, who made history as the first solo female host in 2025, expressed excitement about returning to the stage.

March 26, 2026 04:53

SNL announces Anitta as musical guest and Colman Domingo as host for April 11

March 08, 2026 15:11

Harry Styles makes surprise cameo on SNL

February 14, 2026 04:01

SNL on hiatus for Olympics coverage

February 13, 2026 21:29

SNL returns for 2026 with Finn Wolfhard hosting

January 25, 2026 09:07

Teyana Taylor hosts SNL with dancing grandpa and Trump awards sketches

January 18, 2026 17:36

A$AP Rocky debuts 'Don't Be Dumb' tracks in Saturday Night Live musical guest premiere

January 17, 2026 07:52

Finn Wolfhard to host Saturday Night Live on January 17

January 12, 2026 23:00

Behind-the-scenes moments at the 2026 Golden Globes

January 11, 2026 08:55

Stars dazzle on 2026 golden globes red carpet

December 21, 2025 19:34

Ariana Grande hosts SNL with Cher's Christmas performances

 

 

 

This website uses cookies

We use cookies for analytics to improve our site. Read our privacy policy for more information.
Decline