The holiday spirit at “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) is characterized by the biannual joke swap between co-anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che. This beloved tradition takes place during the show’s “Weekend Update” Christmas episode and its season finale, where the comedians write jokes for each other without prior knowledge of the content.
In past years, Che has had a penchant for orchestrating risqué and controversial jabs aimed at Jost’s wife, actress Scarlett Johansson. This year’s segment featured a delightful twist—Johansson was present in Studio 8H to witness the jokes unfold live.
Jost kicked off the segment with a dedication to Johansson, stating, “I want to dedicate this next joke to my boo, Scarlett Johansson.” This was followed by a playful jab about her recent 40th birthday, suggesting that it was time for him to move on. The live camera cut to Johansson, capturing a mix of amusement and apprehension on her face as Jost delivered the punchline.
Che wasn’t done yet, as he further referenced the couple’s son, Cosmo, who was born in August 2021. He humorously claimed they hadn’t shared images of Cosmo because “he black as hell,” leading to a photoshopped image of the family that left the audience in stitches. Che’s final joke took a bold turn with a racy innuendo about Costco, prompting a shocked reaction from Johansson.
Throughout the segment, Jost retaliated with his own barbs, hinting at controversies involving celebrities like Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs. Jost and Che’s playful ribbing about Johansson goes back years, with Jost cleverly poking fun at her roles and public perception in previous installments.
After reflecting on the recent joke swap during an appearance on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Johansson humorously remarked that they might need “to go into witness protection” after such a brutal segment. She described the experience as painfully intense, noting the difficulty of recalling what transpired during it.
This annual tradition not only strengthens the bond between the comedians but also entertains the audience with its blend of humor and light-hearted risk-taking, capturing the essence of the holiday spirit in comedy. As SNL continues to navigate the delicate balance of satire and sensitivity, fans can look forward to seeing how this artful tradition evolves in the years to come.
Each joke and reaction not only brings laughter but also a sense of connection among the cast and viewers, reminding everyone that humor—no matter how edgy—can be a warm part of our holiday celebrations.