In a recent revelation, comedian Bowen Yang shared insights into a cut sketch from his last appearance on 'Saturday Night Live.' The segment, titled 'Cher family reunion,' was intended to feature host Ariana Grande and musical guest Cher, but ultimately did not make it to air. Yang elaborated that the humor of the sketch, which he co-wrote with Celeste Yim, resonated more with the gay community's inherent understanding of Cher's cultural impact than with a broader audience.
Yang, known for his Emmy-nominated work, explained on his podcast 'Las Culturistas' that the concept mirrored the 'Carrey Family Reunion' sketch from 2014, where Jim Carrey's various iconic characters converged. The challenge in replicating this with Cher, he found, was the differing levels of familiarity with her diverse personas across demographics. While "every gay guy has a Cher," he noted, a similar universal connection might not exist for straight individuals.
He humorously ensured everyone involved was aware of Cher's famous "Snap out of it" line from 'Moonstruck,' the 1987 film that earned her an Oscar. The planned sketch could have depicted various iterations of Cher throughout her career, from her bohemian folk duo days with Sonny Bono in the 1960s and 70s to her rock goddess phase in the 'If I Could Turn Back Time' video from 1989, and even her role as club owner Tess Scali in the 2010 movie 'Burlesque.'
Yang emphasized that this observation was not a critique of Cher's vast cultural influence but rather an acknowledgment of how deeply her persona is ingrained within the gay community. He concluded his tenure on the Lorne Michaels-produced show with an appearance in his popular 'Weekend Update' segment as one half of the 'Trend Forecasters,' alongside Aidy Bryant, who made a return for his final show.
The comedian's reflection on the unaired sketch offers a unique perspective on the creative process at 'Saturday Night Live' and the nuances of cultural references within comedy. It highlights how certain comedic premises, despite their potential, might not translate universally, underscoring the specific cultural touchstones that resonate with particular communities. Ultimately, it provides a glimpse into the considerations that shape the final content seen on one of television's most enduring sketch comedy programs.