Overview
- The Dec. 20 holiday episode served as Yang’s final appearance, with Ariana Grande hosting and Cher as the musical guest.
- Yang grew emotional in a Delta lounge send-off sketch as he, Grande, and Cher performed “Please Come Home for Christmas.”
- He confirmed his exit hours before the broadcast in a grateful Instagram message; he joined SNL as a writer in 2018, became a cast member in 2019, and earned multiple Emmy nominations.
- Grande posted a Sunday tribute praising Yang’s send-off, as some viewers on social media criticized Cher’s performance for apparent lip syncing.
- SNL returns Jan. 17, 2026, with Finn Wolfhard hosting and A$AP Rocky as musical guest after the winter hiatus.