Colin Jost’s Bold Joke Swap Leaves Scarlett Johansson in Shock
Saturday Night Live’s “Weekend Update” segment is known for its unpredictability, but on December 21, the iconic show took a particularly personal turn for Scarlett Johansson and her husband, Colin Jost. During the annual SNL Weekend Update Christmas Joke Swap, co-hosts Jost and Michael Che exchanged jokes written by the other—sight unseen—leading to some uncomfortable yet hilarious moments for Jost and his wife, Johansson.
A Tradition That Hits Close to Home
As the segment kicked off, Jost braced the audience for what was to come, joking, “I know Michael is going to make me tell some racist jokes, like he always does.” But it wasn’t just politically charged humor in Che’s arsenal—he penned multiple jokes aimed at Jost’s personal life, particularly his marriage to the Black Widow star.
One of the jokes began with Jost addressing Johansson directly: “Hey, boo. Y’all know Scarlett just celebrated her 40th birthday, which means I’m about to get up out of there.” While this quip received a few laughs, the next punchline truly pushed boundaries. Jost read a joke insinuating their son, Cosmo, hasn’t been photographed because “he’s Black as hell,” leaving Johansson visibly shocked as she watched the live broadcast outside the studio.
Scarlett Johansson’s Reaction
Johansson’s initial reaction to the jokes included head shakes and an exasperated “oh shit,” but the explicit nature of the following roast beef-themed punchline escalated things further. The audience could see the Marvel star exclaiming, “Oh my god!” followed by what appeared to be “Holy shit!”
While these jokes might have crossed the line for some, they showcased the fearless comedic chemistry that defines SNL Weekend Update.
The Relationship Roots in SNL
Despite the roasting, SNL holds a special place in Johansson and Jost’s relationship. The two met during one of Johansson’s hosting gigs in 2006 or 2010 (the timeline remains a playful debate between the couple) but didn’t start dating until 2017. In her sixth hosting appearance in 2019, Johansson referred to SNL as the place where she met the “love of her life.”
Their bond, however, has always been a source of humor for their colleagues. During an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Michael Che joked that Jost had “changed” since dating Johansson, teasing that Jost stopped inviting him to hang out. “When you do [invite me], you ditch me,” Che quipped, adding that he’d hesitate to ask Jost to join him at a dive bar when he’s married to a superstar.
SNL’s Lasting Impact
As the dust settled from the joke swap, it became clear that the segment wasn’t just about shock value—it highlighted the deep camaraderie between the show’s cast and their ability to poke fun, even when it gets personal.
For Johansson, SNL remains a cherished part of her journey, despite moments like these. As one of the most frequent hosts and now deeply tied to the show through her marriage, she continues to embrace its unpredictable charm.
Conclusion
The SNL Weekend Update Christmas Joke Swap reminded viewers why the show remains a comedic institution. With its unscripted moments and fearless humor, it keeps audiences—and sometimes even the cast’s family members—on their toes. While Scarlett Johansson’s husband, Colin Jost, might think twice about swapping jokes with Michael Che again, it’s all part of the enduring legacy of Saturday Night Live.
