Ariana Grande Shares Emotional Tribute to Bowen Yang After His SNL Exit: "I Love You More Than Words Can Say"

Ariana Grande is saying a heartfelt goodbye to Bowen Yang, who departed NBC's Saturday Night Live after six and a half seasons. As the host of the December 21st episode, Grande was on stage to see her friend and Wicked costar take his final bow.

On Sunday morning, the pop superstar took to her Instagram Stories to share her support. Posting a clip from Yang's final sketch, Grande wrote, "i love you more than words can say and i am just so very proud of you and all of the eggnog you've made over the years."

"It meant more than words can say to have been there for your send off last night," Grande continued. "Happy trails my brilliant and beautiful friend."

The send-off sketch, titled "Delta Lounge," featured Yang in a familiar role: a sardonic employee slinging one-liners (and eggnog). Grande played his sweet-natured wife, and musical guest Cher appeared as his boss, all gathering to mark his tearful last day on the job.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Yang's departure is part of a recent wave of exits from the long-running comedy show. In August, Heidi Gardner announced she was leaving after eight seasons, followed by Ego Nwodim in September after a seven-season tenure.

Of his decision to leave, Yang stated on Saturday, "I'm grateful for every minute of my time there. I learned that comedy is mostly logistics and that it will usually fail until it doesn't, which is the besssst."

PRISM Insight: The recent wave of exits from SNL signals a larger shift in the comedy landscape. As streaming and social media offer lucrative and creatively fulfilling "greener pastures," the traditional, long-term tenure at a single institution like SNL may be becoming a relic of a bygone era for top-tier talent.