Colin Jost and Scarlett Johansson have become one of Hollywood's most beloved couples, but their relationship often takes center stage on Saturday Night Live—a platform where Jost, as co-anchor of Weekend Update, frequently uses his wife as material for his jokes. This holiday season, fans were treated to yet another comedic spectacle during the annual SNL Christmas special on December 21, 2024, where Jost shared hilarious yet cringeworthy jokes about Johansson live on air.
During the special segment, which featured SNL's longstanding tradition of 'joke swaps' between Jost and co-anchor Michael Che, Johansson was present backstage to witness every moment. The couples' dynamic took the spotlight when Jost dedicated one of his jokes to her. "I want to dedicate this next joke to my boo, Scarlett Johansson," he declared, as the camera cut to Johansson watching on, visibly anxious. "Oh my gosh, she’s so genuinely worried!" Jost continued, punctuating the moment with laughter.
Moving on to the punchline, the comedian quipped, "Y’all know Scarlett just celebrated her 40th birthday which means I’m about to get up out of there." The camera then returned to Johansson, who could be seen shaking her head and mouthing words of disbelief. "Why?" she asked, clearly taken aback but also sharing in the humor of the moment. Jost's references not only jarred Johansson but also came with the shock-value expected from live comedy.
But the jokes didn’t stop there. Jost went on to joke about their son, Cosmo, who was born just over three years ago. "We just had a kid together, and y’all ain’t see no pictures of him yet ’cause he Black as hell," Jost stated, showcasing a photoshopped image of the couple with their child behind him. This comment elicited gasps and laughter not just from the audience, but also from Johansson, who was caught reacting with additional disbelief as she watched from backstage. She simply sipped her drink amid the uproar, her expression ranging from shock to amusement.
Perhaps the most audacious joke of the evening came when Jost read another quip about how "Costco has removed the roast beef sandwich from its menu, but I ain’t trippin'. I've been eating roast beef every night since my wife had the kid." This raunchy punchline hit particularly hard, as Johansson was seen mouthing "Oh my God!" and even appearing to mouth expressions of utter astonishment. Viewers took to social media, praising this swap as one of the funniest yet. Comments rolled in, such as, "This is easily the most brutal one they’ve done yet, went straight for the throat on every single joke!"
The comedic tradition between Jost and Che has led to multiple instances where Jost has made jokes at Johansson's expense, and as charming as it is, it carries layers of vulnerability for the actress. Johansson has previously admitted to feeling nervous watching her husband on SNL. During her appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, she shared her instinctive anxiety: "It's so bad. I black out for those periods of the night. It’s just terrible... I feel like every year it gets worse. It’s painful... I actually don’t even recall what happens on stage!"
This continual exposure to Jost's comedic jabs during the live broadcast mixes laughter with the uncomfortable reality of being the focal point of such jokes. Yet, for both actors, it adds to the charm of their public persona as they navigate celebrity life together. Notably, the couple was married in 2020 after initially meeting during Johansson's first hosting gig on SNL back in 2006. Their relationship transcends beyond the punchlines, blending humor and genuine affection for each other through the lens of comedy.
Even with the lighthearted humor, viewers cannot help but feel for Johansson as she watches her husband navigate through controversy, laughing alongside him but also holding her breath as he approaches each comedic moment. The balance of their shared life and the public scrutiny becomes evident as they walk this precarious tightrope during the live segment, reminding viewers of both the joys and the vulnerabilities of celebrity partnerships.
Throughout the years, Jost has developed this running gag of making jokes about Johansson across various episodes, but it is clear their bond only seems to grow stronger as they navigate each punchline together. The joke swap segment has become one of SNL’s enduring features and undoubtedly provides endless entertainment for its fans, with Colin Jost’s audacious humor continually intertwined with Scarlett Johansson's supportive—even if slightly wary—presence.
Dates and milestones aside, this relationship features the unique experience of seamlessly blending humor with real-life experiences, all under the watchful eyes of millions. The world is left wondering how these two will balance the serious nature of family life with the outrageous humor displayed on late-night television. But if past segments are any indication, intimately shared laughter will remain at the cornerstone of their relationship.
