SNL’s Weekend Update: America’s Longest-Running Satirical News Desk Still Punches Hard
New York, NY — For nearly 50 years, Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update segment has delivered punchlines from behind a faux news desk, skewering politicians, pop culture figures, and social issues with unapologetic wit. What began in 1975 as a parody of the evening news has evolved into one of the most consistent and enduring vehicles for American satire.
Created by SNL’s founding producer Lorne Michaels and original head writer Herb Sargent, Weekend Update was initially helmed by Chevy Chase, who famously opened each segment with, “I’m Chevy Chase… and you’re not.” That line, and his smug on-air persona, helped define the tone for generations of sarcastic desk jockeys to follow.
Over the decades, Weekend Update has remained a cornerstone of the show — often outlasting cast shakeups, presidential administrations, and shifts in political culture. Anchors have come and gone, each leaving their mark. From the deadpan charm of Jane Curtin and the dry smirk of Dennis Miller, to the aggressive edge of Norm Macdonald, and the seamless handoffs between Tina Fey, Jimmy Fallon, Amy Poehler, and Seth Meyers, the format has proven remarkably flexible.
But in recent years, the duo of Colin Jost and Michael Che has ushered in a new era of Weekend Update. Jost, a Harvard-educated head writer with classic timing, plays the straight man to Che’s edgier, more freewheeling delivery. Their chemistry is built not only on contrast but on mutual respect — and a shared willingness to take shots at both ends of the political spectrum.
What sets the current iteration apart is its increasingly meta nature. Jost and Che frequently riff on their own roles, write jokes for each other without prior warning, and lean into audience discomfort with race, class, and gender commentary. This self-awareness has given Weekend Update a renewed sharpness in an age where viewers are often more cynical about both comedy and media.
Still, Weekend Update hasn’t escaped criticism. Right-wing pundits have long accused the segment — and SNL more broadly — of liberal bias, particularly during the Trump years when the show’s satire veered from subversive to directly antagonistic. Trump himself famously lashed out at SNL repeatedly on social media, calling it “unwatchable” and “rigged.”
Yet for all the pushback, Weekend Update has consistently served as a time capsule of American discourse. It has reflected national moods, challenged power structures, and adapted to seismic shifts in media consumption. Its viral moments — whether it’s Tina Fey’s “sheet cake” monologue or Michael Che’s fiery takedowns of police brutality — often transcend the show and enter broader political conversations.
Behind the scenes, the writing team plays a crucial role in the segment’s success. Known for their speed, irreverence, and tight editorial control, the Weekend Update writers often work until early Saturday morning to incorporate the latest headlines. Their job is to thread the needle: to be both funny and fearless in a climate where cancel culture, misinformation, and media distrust are dominant forces.
As of 2025, Weekend Update remains a Saturday night staple, watched by millions live and many more on digital platforms the following day. In a media ecosystem saturated with hot takes, fake news, and clickbait, the segment continues to prove that comedy can be both timely and timeless.
The desk may be fake, but the commentary is very real. And as long as America keeps supplying absurdity, Weekend Update will be there to call it out — with a wink, a laugh, and just enough truth to make it sting.
Sources:
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New York Times: ‘Weekend Update’ Anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che on Pushing Boundaries
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Variety: History of Weekend Update
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Rolling Stone: The Evolution of SNL’s Weekend Update
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Vulture: The Politics of SNL
