Scarlett Johansson was at the center of attention during the latest episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL), which aired on December 24, 2024, showcasing her husband Colin Jost's comedy skills like never before. The beloved actress watched from backstage as Jost participated in the sketch comedy show's annual "Weekend Update" segment, where he exchanged jokes with his fellow cast member Michael Che.
The Christmas episode featured Jost and Che engaging in their famous joke swap tradition, known for pushing comedic boundaries and often embarrassing both parties involved. This year, the spotlight shone especially brightly on Johansson as she witnessed Jost read jokes aimed directly at her with live cameras capturing her reactions.
Before the comedic chaos ensued, Johansson joined the SNL Five Timers Club cold open, adding to the anticipation for the "Weekend Update" segment, where everything took a turn for the wilder. According to reports, Che had previously disclosed to viewers on NBC, "We need to go to, like, witness protection at night," illustrating the anxiety Johansson feels watching her husband deliver often risqué jokes about their relationship and personal life.
During the bit, Jost kicked things off with, "I want to dedicate this next joke to my boo, Scarlett Johansson," leading to more playful banter. The 40-year-old actress, celebrating her milestone birthday, watched nervously as Jost teased her by saying, "Y’all know Scarlett just celebrated her 40th birthday, which means I’m about to get up out of there.” The cameras cut to Johansson, who displayed both shock and amusement at the quip.
Middle segments of the joke swap included Jost making commentary on their son, who was born in 2021, with Che setting up the gag humorously: "We just had a kid together, and y’all ain’t see no pictures of him yet, because he’s Black as hell!" This moment drew laughter and gasps both from cast members and the audience, some of whom shared their delight on social media. One fan remarked, "This is easily the most brutal one they’ve done yet, went straight for the throat on every single joke." Another chimed in, praising Che for his ability to top himself with sharper humor year after year.
Jost's final joke took the humor to another level: "Costco has removed their roast beef sandwich from its menu, but I ain’t tripping. I be eating roast beef every night since my wife had the kid," prompting uproarious laughter from the studio audience. Johansson, sipping water backstage, seemed flabbergasted by the explicit nature of the evening's comedy, her facial expressions captured live as the moments unfolded.
This year's festivities have left many wondering about the future of Jost and Che on SNL. The duo has hinted before at possibly leaving the show during its upcoming 50th season. With performances like this, especially showcasing the interplay between personal life and comedic satire, they’ve certainly managed to make their mark on the show’s legacy.
Reflecting on the annual joke exchange's impact, it serves as both celebratory and satirical. Comedic moments such as these reinforce how SNL has continued to evolve by blending personal dynamics with social commentary over the years. It’s pieces of comedic gold like these—where family and humor intersect—that keep audiences tuning in week after week.
Johansson, perhaps the only one relieved by the news, might secretly hope this tradition will meet its timely end as they move on, but with the unpredictability of Jost and Che's comedic elements, fans are sure to expect the unexpected.
