The December 20 episode of Saturday Night Live brought in 5.4 million viewers, making it the show’s most-watched broadcast in over a year. The holiday special was hosted by Ariana Grande and featured music icon Cher, but the night belonged to cast member Bowen Yang, who gave his final performance after six years.
The episode aired on Saturday, December 20, on NBC and is available for streaming on Peacock. The 5.4 million viewer mark is the highest for SNL‘s current Season 51, easily passing the previous season high of 4.6 million viewers set by the October 4 season premiere with host Bad Bunny.
To find an episode with a larger live audience, you have to go back over a year to November 2, 2024, when comedian John Mulaney hosted and drew 6.8 million viewers. The December 20 show was also the most-watched Christmas episode the show has produced in five years.
The major event driving viewership was the final appearance of fan-favorite cast member Bowen Yang. News of his departure broke just a day before the episode aired. Yang joined the SNL staff as a writer in 2018 and was promoted to the cast the following year, making history as the show’s first-ever Asian cast member.
His goodbye was centered on a heartfelt sketch where he played a Delta Air Lines lounge employee working his last shift on Christmas Eve. In the sketch, his character is joined by host Ariana Grande, playing his wife, and musical guest Cher, who appeared as his boss, the “CEO of Eggnog at Delta”.
“I just feel so lucky that I ever got to work here, and I just wanted to enjoy it for a little bit longer,” Yang’s character said to Grande in the scene. “Especially the people. I’ve loved every single person who works here.”
Cher’s character offered humorous feedback, saying, “Well, everyone thought you were a little bit too gay. But you know what? You’re perfect for me.” The sketch ended with the trio embracing and singing “Please Come Home for Christmas,” as Yang delivered his final line: “This place will always be home, but ah, it’s time to go.”
Yang addressed his exit on social media before the show, writing, “I’m grateful for every minute of my time there.” He later thanked Grande specifically, saying she sent him off “in the dreamiest way I could imagine.”
The episode’s appeal was amplified by its high-profile host and musical guest. Ariana Grande has proven to be a reliable ratings draw for SNL. Her previous hosting stint in October 2024, with Stevie Nicks as musical guest, attracted 5.6 million viewers and was the show’s biggest audience since May 2021.
Adding Cher to the mix created a potent combination. Industry reports note that pairing Grande with a legendary female rock and roll hall of famer has twice now resulted in major viewership spikes. The episode also dominated online, generating 503 million views across platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, making it the most social episode of Season 51 so far.
Beyond Yang’s farewell, the holiday show was filled with notable moments. Former cast member Aidy Bryant returned to the “Weekend Update” desk alongside Yang to revive their trend-forecaster characters. The show also paid tribute to director Rob Reiner, who hosted the third episode of SNL ever and had recently passed away.
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In another “Weekend Update” segment, co-anchor Michael Che surprised Colin Jost with a one-sided joke swap, telling a gag about Jost’s wife, actress Scarlett Johansson.
Saturday Night Live is now on its holiday break. The show returns with new episodes on Saturday, January 17. The first show of the new year will be hosted by Finn Wolfhard of Stranger Things, with a musical performance by A$AP Rocky.
Bowen Yang leaves the show in the middle of Season 51, which is unusual but has happened before with stars like Cecily Strong and Molly Shannon. He departs as an established talent, having been nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in 2021. Yang has been building a busy career outside SNL, including roles in the films Wicked and The Wedding Banquet, and he co-hosts the popular Las Culturistas podcast.
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