The holiday spirit at “Saturday Night Live” comes alive with the much-anticipated bi-annual joke swap between co-anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che. This comedic exchange, which occurs during the show’s “Weekend Update” Christmas episode and its final show of the season, features the duo crafting jokes for one another, keeping the elements of surprise alive.
Tradition has shown that Michael Che often manages to embroil Jost in humor that pushes the boundaries, particularly regarding his wife, actress Scarlett Johansson. This year, the segment took an unexpected turn with Johansson in attendance at Studio 8H, setting the stage for her live reactions.
Jost acknowledged Johansson in his setup, stating, “I want to dedicate this next joke to my boo, Scarlett Johansson.” This transition revealed Johansson backstage, appearing both nervous and amused. Jost continued, “Y’all know Scarlett just celebrated her 40th birthday, which means I’m about to get up out of there,” eliciting mixed laughter and confusion from Johansson.
As the jokes unfolded, Che kept the momentum going with a reference to the couple’s son, Cosmo, born in August 2021. His antics included a playful explanation for not sharing photos of their child, joking that it was due to him being “black as hell,” accompanied by a humorous photoshopped image.
The evening’s humor escalated with Che’s final joke regarding Costco’s roast beef sandwich removal, which left Johansson visibly shocked, exclaiming, “Oh my god,” illustrating the surprises that the segment continually delivers.
Jost countered with several of his own jokes, including commentary on issues facing celebrities like Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs, while also recalling past jabs he’d taken at Johansson’s expense.
Johansson expressed her mixed feelings about the joke swap during an appearance on “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” She humorously revealed her distress about the segment, saying, “I feel like every year it gets worse. It’s just terrible. It’s painful… I actually don’t remember that segment.”
This festive tradition brings joy and laughter while showcasing the rapport between Jost, Che, and Johansson, demonstrating the humorous side of marriage and the shared love for comedy even in the most precarious jokes.
Overall, the recurring joke swap continues to be a highlight for “Saturday Night Live,” symbolizing not just comedic prowess but also a deeply personal connection among the participants. It’s a reminder of the enduring power of laughter and the lighthearted moments—even among the most sensitive topics—bringing audiences together during the holiday season.