“Saturday Night Live” wrapped up its 2024 season in a memorable fashion during its final episode, marked by a lively mix of humor and celebrity appearances. The highlight of the evening featured the beloved “Weekend Update” segment, where anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che engaged in their biannual “joke swap.” This segment is known for involving shockingly edgy jokes that neither host has previously seen.
In a surprising twist, Jost’s wife, Scarlett Johansson, was present in the studio after participating in a sketch about the show’s five-time hosts. Cameras captured her reactions, showcasing moments of genuine concern as Jost read a joke relating to her recent 40th birthday, humorously alluding to leaving her. Jost followed it up with an unexpected punchline about their child, provoking a mix of laughter and shock from Johansson.
As the skit progressed, Che added to the humor with his own jarring joke involving Jost’s wife and a raunchy sandwich scenario. Johansson’s reaction was priceless, visibly stunned and vocalizing her disbelief.
The jokes didn’t stop there. Che had to read a controversial punchline involving Jay-Z that referenced an ongoing legal accusation against the rapper—a joke that brought forth a mixture of nerves and laughter. The evening was filled with more zany humor, including a comment about a fictional “Moana 2,” reflecting the show’s commitment to pushing boundaries in comedy.
In addition to the “Weekend Update,” the episode’s cold open featured an impressive array of stars welcoming Martin Short into the exclusive five-timers club, a playful nod to those who have hosted the show five times or more. Among the notable appearances were Tom Hanks, Alec Baldwin, and Tina Fey. The cold open cleverly showcased humor and camaraderie among the actors, creating a vibrant and nostalgic moment for fans.
The sketches throughout the episode continued the comedic momentum, featuring unexpected roles from stars like Melissa McCarthy and Paul Rudd in various humorous scenarios.
As the curtain falls on this season, “SNL” promises a return in 2025, with a special 50th anniversary episode set to air in February. This leaves fans excited and hopeful for what the next season will bring.
Overall, this final episode not only showcased the essence of “Saturday Night Live” but also highlighted the importance of comedic camaraderie and the spirit of experimentation that has kept audiences returning for more, making it a fitting end to another year of laughs.