Bowen Yang has entered the ring for “mystery drone” commentary.
Over the weekend Yang, Saturday Night Live’s first Chinese-American comedian, appeared on the show’s “Weekend Update” segment dressed as one of the drones seen flying over New Jersey over the last month.
“What are you?” anchor Michael Che asked Yang, whose arms and shoulder blades were made to look like propellers. “No, see, we’re not going to do that,” Yang responded. “I know what I am – and I don’t have to explain myself to anyone at any time for any reason.”
The skit was part of SNL’s final episode of 2024. It was a nod to the series of drone sightings across the Northeast, and the FAA’s recent enactment of temporary flight restrictions over the state for the rest of the year.
“Who’s controlling you,” Che asked Yang’s drone character. “Who’s controlling you, Michael?” Yang responded. “People are like: ‘Is it a UFO? Is it a drone? Is it a promo for SNL 50?’ Meanwhile, I’m just minding my own business, hovering over people’s homes, maybe filming them.”
During the skit, Yang showed love for New Jersey – a rarity on the show that for years has made the Garden State the butt of its jokes, with past jabs at the state’s smell, residents’ appearances and past governors.