The holiday season at “Saturday Night Live” was officially marked by the much-anticipated bi-annual joke swap between Colin Jost and Michael Che. This fun and comedic tradition occurs during the “Weekend Update” Christmas episode and the season finale, where the co-anchors take turns writing jokes for each other without prior knowledge of the content.
This year, the segment took an exciting turn as Scarlett Johansson, Jost’s wife, attended the show live in Studio 8H. Throughout the years, Che has often tricked Jost into making jokes that toe the line of controversy, particularly involving Johansson. Jost began this year’s swap with a playful dedication to his wife, referencing her recent milestone birthday, leading to an entertaining yet nervous reaction from Johansson as she watched backstage.
The segment included several humorous moments, with Che’s jokes touching on their family life—specifically their son, Cosmo, who was born in August 2021. Emphasizing the humor, one of Che’s jokes included a playful Photoshop image that elicited laughter from Johansson. Che didn’t hold back, presenting a shocking yet comedic innuendo involving Costco that left Johansson visibly surprised.
Throughout the evening, Jost also took the opportunity to get back at Che, addressing recent allegations against notable figures in the entertainment industry. The tradition of the back-and-forth jabs has evolved, with Che making lighthearted digs at Johansson’s career since their marriage in 2020.
Johansson candidly commented on the experience of the joke swap during a July 2024 appearance on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” expressing her concerns about the potential impact of their comedic exchanges and humorously suggesting they might need to go into “witness protection” due to the uproar of the jokes. She described the segment as “brutal” and painful, admitting she often blacks out from the anxiety of watching her husband face such comedic challenges.
This segment not only showcases the dynamic between Jost, Che, and Johansson but also emphasizes the spirit of laughter and camaraderie that “Saturday Night Live” fosters during the holiday season. It highlights the couple’s ability to maintain humor amidst public scrutiny, serving as a reminder of the lighter side of celebrity life.
The positive takeaway from this lively exchange is how humor can bring families closer together, even under the spotlight, and the joy they share through playful banter. It’s a testament to their strong bond, proving that laughter truly is the best gift during the holiday season.