The recent episode of The Rundown shifted focus from full sketches to one of Saturday Night Live’s fan-favorite formats: the “Weekend Update” feature. And there may be no better guide for that journey than Bowen Yang.
Yang carved out a distinct voice on SNL largely through his “Update” appearances. The segment hasn't quite been the same since he left earlier this season, but all good things must come to an end. It also makes Yang's appearance on The Rundown a welcome sight for Saturday Night Live fans who miss seeing him in Studio 8H.
Before electing his all-time favorite "Weekend Update" feature, Yang spent time reflecting on why the segment remains such a vital part of the show. “I think the reason why Update features are so beloved, but important, is because it is a place where you get a singular point of view,” he explains. Positioned roughly halfway through an episode, the segment can either propel the show forward or stall its momentum.
It’s also what makes it such a valuable showcase. That's especially true for cast members who may be just starting out, having found their "in" yet, or haven't had as much exposure in sketches.
Starting out on SNL, Yang said he quickly realized he wouldn’t be cast as the “dad,” “grandpa,” or other generic roles that often populate live sketches. Instead, he found his calling on "Weekend Update" with roles like Trade Daddy, Trend Forecasters, and the Iceberg That Sank the Titantic.
In tracing the history of "Update" features, Yang highlighted a long lineage of memorable characters and performers who defined the segment. The comedian praised everything from early staples like “Roseanne Roseannadanna” and Father Guido Sarducci to Maya Rudolph’s Omarosa appearances and Cecily Strong’s run as Jeanine Pirro.
When it came time to choose just one favorite, Yang admitted the decision wasn’t easy. But ultimately, he landed on a fan-favorite: Stefon. Played by Bill Hader and co-created with John Mulaney, the character became a defining “Weekend Update” presence during its run.
Yang praised the segment’s unique structure, describing it as “the perfect joke bag” where seemingly random details build on each other in surprising ways. Plus, the catchphrase "New York's hottest club..." continues to be used long after Hader left Saturday Night Live.
Beyond the jokes, Yang pointed to Stefon’s evolution over time, including his on-air relationship with Seth Meyers, as an example of how "Update" features can develop narratives just as well-done as full sketches.
It’s also a prime example of how the format can transform an idea that didn’t quite work elsewhere into something iconic. Yang pointed out that Stefon first appeared in a sketch with Ben Affleck. While the character got some laughs, it "was off to the races as soon as it was in the right home.”
And for Yang, that "right home" was also "Weekend Update." Just like Hader's Stefon, Yang undoubtedly has inspired a generation of sketch performers.
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