The holiday atmosphere at “Saturday Night Live” becomes complete with the much-anticipated biannual joke swap between Colin Jost and Michael Che during their “Weekend Update” Christmas special. This ongoing tradition sees the co-anchors crafting jokes for one another, often leading to humorous sacrilege and unexpected reactions, especially as Jost usually finds himself on the receiving end of Che’s more daring punchlines.
In a special twist this year, Scarlett Johansson, Jost’s wife, was present in the studio to witness the antics firsthand. The segment kicked off with Jost addressing his wife: “I want to dedicate this next joke to my boo, Scarlett Johansson.” The camera then panned to Johansson, who sported a mix of confusion and amusement as Jost launched into his jokes. He humorously noted her recent milestone birthday, sharing, “Hey boo. Y’all know Scarlett just celebrated her 40th birthday, which means I’m about to get up out of there.” Johansson’s reaction seemed to capture the overwhelming hilarity and slight embarrassment of the moment.
Che brought his comedic style into play, joking about the couple’s son, Cosmo, whom they welcomed in August 2021. He quipped about the absence of photos, cheekily stating, “he black as hell,” as a photoshopped image of them with a child was displayed, adding another layer of humor to the night.
The jokes didn’t stop there, as Che’s final jab involved a shocking in-joke about Costco removing a menu item, which prompted a stunned “Oh my god” from Johansson herself. Meanwhile, Jost retaliated with his jests, addressing various pop culture controversies, proving that the playful exchange is a highlight of their dynamic.
Johansson, who has been subjected to these playful jabs since their marriage in October 2020, addressed the tradition during an appearance on “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” She humorously expressed a desire to go into “witness protection” after the show airing, reflecting on how she often blackouts from the embarrassment of watching her husband take such comedic hits. She described the segment as “brutal” and “painful,” indicating that each year ramps up the intensity of the jokes.
This annual joke swap not only provides comedic relief but also showcases the bond and understanding within their relationship, all wrapped in the festivities of the season. It’s a reminder of the joy that laughter can bring, even amidst uncomfortable moments.
As the holiday season draws near, the humor and camaraderie displayed during the sketch serves to enchant “SNL” fans, proving once again that laughter is a cherished part of the celebration.