“Weekend Update” with Colin Jost and Michael Che: The Backbone of SNL’s Satirical Edge
A Comedy Duo Redefining Political Satire
For nearly a decade, Colin Jost and Michael Che have been the faces of Saturday Night Live’s iconic news parody segment, “Weekend Update.” As co-anchors, their sharp political wit, contrasting comedic styles, and undeniable chemistry have solidified them as one of the longest-running and most successful duos in the segment’s history.
Since joining forces in 2014, Jost and Che have tackled everything from presidential elections and social issues to pop culture absurdities, making “Weekend Update” a staple of late-night satire.
Colin Jost: The Harvard Comedy Writer Turned Anchor
Colin Jost, who joined SNL as a writer in 2005, worked his way up to head writer before stepping in as a “Weekend Update” anchor in 2014. Known for his polished delivery and dry, intellectual humor, Jost’s comedic style often draws comparisons to previous Weekend Update greats like Seth Meyers and Dennis Miller.
Outside of SNL, Jost is an accomplished writer, penning the best-selling memoir “A Very Punchable Face” and contributing essays to publications like The New Yorker. His marriage to Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson has also made him a frequent target of jokes—both from himself and from Che, who regularly roasts him on-air.
Michael Che: A Fearless Voice in Comedy
Michael Che, who made history as SNL’s first Black “Weekend Update” co-anchor, brings a contrasting style to Jost’s buttoned-up persona. His laid-back yet biting delivery allows him to address race, politics, and social issues in a way that resonates deeply with audiences.
Before SNL, Che had a rising career in stand-up and briefly worked as a correspondent on “The Daily Show” before taking over the “Weekend Update” desk. Known for his willingness to push boundaries, Che has used the segment to deliver some of SNL’s edgiest jokes, sometimes sparking controversy but always staying true to his comedic voice.
In addition to SNL, Che has his own sketch comedy series, “That Damn Michael Che,” on HBO Max, further showcasing his unique perspective on modern culture and race relations.
The Dynamic That Keeps “Weekend Update” Fresh
Part of what makes Jost and Che so successful as co-anchors is their willingness to mock each other—often in real-time. Their annual “Joke Swap” tradition, in which they write offensive jokes for each other to read live on air without prior review, has become a fan-favorite segment.
Unlike previous “Weekend Update” pairings that relied on a straight-man/funny-man dynamic, Jost and Che thrive on their contrast in tone and delivery. Jost’s clean-cut, almost news-anchor-like approach makes the perfect counterbalance to Che’s laid-back, observational style.
Their ability to deliver news-driven comedy—whether it be about the Biden-Trump rematch, Supreme Court rulings, or celebrity scandals—has kept Weekend Update one of SNL’s most talked-about segments.
Impact on Late-Night Comedy and What’s Next
As political comedy has faced more scrutiny in recent years, Jost and Che have managed to keep “Weekend Update” both sharp and accessible, striking a balance between pointed satire and lighthearted absurdity.
With SNL’s cast often changing, Jost and Che remain the steady, reliable foundation of the show’s news-driven humor. However, rumors persist that the duo may be considering an exit after their historic run. While neither has officially announced plans to leave, they have hinted at the possibility in interviews.
Whether they remain on SNL or pursue other projects, Jost and Che have cemented their legacy as one of the most memorable and impactful “Weekend Update” teams of all time.
For now, viewers can continue tuning in every Saturday night, knowing they’ll get the sharp, unfiltered, and often unpredictable humor that only Jost and Che can deliver.
