Bowen Yang returned to the Saturday Night Live stage for the year’s final episode, where he took on the comedic role of a drone during the popular "Weekend Update" segment. The episode, hosted by Martin Short and featuring musical guest Hozier, aired on December 22, 2024, and saw Yang humorously addressing the recent influx of drone sightings over New Jersey.
Yang, known for his quirky portrayals as both the Titanic iceberg and the viral pygmy hippo Moo Deng, began his performance with the line, "Hey, wow, indoors — this is different." When co-anchor Michael Che queried him about what he was, Yang quipped, "No, we’re not gonna do those questions. I know what I am, and I don’t have to explain myself to anyone at any time for any reason." This refrain set the stage for the playful commentary on the public’s obsession with the drone phenomenon.
The drone sightings had sparked widespread speculation and anxiety, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to issue temporary flight restrictions over New Jersey. Che could not help but inquire about how Yang, as the drone, was feeling. Yang, maintaining his comedic persona, shot back, "Who’s controlling you, Michael?" This clever turn of phrase not only mirrored the public's own conspiracy theories but also reflected the overarching themes of freedom and independence.
Yang's character continued, "People are like, ‘Is it a UFO? Is it military? Is it promo for SNL 50?’ Meanwhile, I’m just minding my business, hovering over people’s homes, maybe filming them." His remarks highlight the absurdity of the fears about drone surveillance, providing levity to the grim conversations surrounding surveillance technology and privacy.
Continuing the segment, Yang passionately declared, "All right, what’s this obsession with whether I’m ‘manned’ or not?" He followed with, "For the record, I can get a man whenever I want. Trust me, there’s no problem there. Manned, unmanned, I make it work." This line not only emphasized his confidence as the drone but also opened the door for humorous references to his dating life, where he jokingly revealed he was "dating the helicopter from Succession." The silly comparison underscored Yang’s ability to intertwine humor with current pop culture references.
Undoubtedly, the highlight of Yang's performance came when he parodied the iconic song "Defying Gravity" from the popular musical Wicked, where he played Pfannee in the movie adaptation. Under colorful lighting reminiscent of the Broadway production, Yang began to belt out lyrics modified to suit his drone persona: "So if you care to find me, look to the Jersey skies. And nobody, in all of Jerz, no Bethany [Frankel] there is or were, is ever gonna bring me down!" The combination of humor and theatrical flair effectively captured the audience’s attention, merging Broadway with contemporary issues.
The segment was not just about light-hearted humor; it also offered commentary on the societal response to the drone sightings. With growing concerns about security and privacy, Yang’s portrayal as the drone served as both satire and commentary on the bizarre societal fixation with the enigmatic phenomena. The act concluded with cheers and applause, as viewers likely appreciated the blend of wit, musicality, and cultural observation.
Yang’s performance remains emblematic of Saturday Night Live’s commitment to addressing current events through humor. This episode highlighted how comedy can alleviate concerns around complex subjects, transforming them from anxiety-inducing reality to laughable ridiculousness. With his signature style and flair, Bowen Yang not only stood up for drones but also showcased his unique ability to reflect the quirks of society through the lens of comedy.
