Bowen Yang’s SNL Farewell Breaks Season Ratings Record

Comedian Bowen Yang has left Saturday Night Live. His final episode aired on May 18, 2024. The show achieved its highest ratings in over a year.

This marks a significant end to Yang’s five-year run. According to Nielsen data, the episode drew 5.4 million viewers. It was the most-watched broadcast of the current season.

Emotional Exit and Unprecedented Viewer Response

The episode was hosted by pop star Ariana Grande. Cher performed as the musical guest. Grande also appeared in Yang’s poignant final sketch.

He played a Delta Airlines employee retiring after 45 years. The meta performance resonated deeply with the live audience. It functioned as a direct farewell to the SNL stage.

According to a Page Six source, creator Lorne Michaels tried to convince Yang to stay. The decision was final. Yang’s expanding Hollywood schedule and podcast commitments influenced his departure.

The ratings spike underscores his popularity. It highlights a viewer appetite for milestone episodes featuring beloved cast members. This data is reported by trusted industry trackers.

Industry Impact and Lasting Legacy

Yang’s exit creates a major gap in the show’s comedic lineup. He was known for celebrity impersonations and unique digital shorts. His presence helped define a recent era of SNL.

His final episode’s success provides a strong lead-in for the season finale. It demonstrates the enduring cultural power of cast member send-offs. Networks often see similar spikes for significant character or actor departures.

For fans, it closes a chapter on a groundbreaking tenure. Yang joined as a writer in 2018 before becoming a featured player. He quickly became a fan-favorite and history-making performer.

Bowen Yang’s record-setting SNL farewell proves his impact transcended sketches. His departure leaves a notable void as the show looks toward its 50th season.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Why did Bowen Yang leave SNL?

He left to focus on other Hollywood projects and his podcast, Las Culturistas. Reports indicate his schedule became too demanding for the weekly show’s rigorous production cycle.

Q2: How many people watched his final episode?

The episode attracted 5.4 million viewers. This made it the most-watched SNL episode of the entire season, according to official ratings.

Q3: Has SNL seen ratings like this recently?

Yes. Ariana Grande’s previous hosting stint in 2023 drew 5.6 million. Yang’s finale was the closest the show has come to matching that peak in over a year.

Q4: What does this mean for SNL’s future?

The show must fill a major talent void. Such high-profile departures often lead to casting shifts as the program evolves for its next chapter.