Colin Jost's 'SNL' joke swap features lighthearted jabs against his wife, Scarlett Johansson
On December 21, 2024, Colin Jost and Michael Che took part in their annual "Weekend Update" joke swap, a segment in which each co-anchor reads jokes written by the other, sight unseen. The annual joke swap is often funny, but sometimes awkward, and this tradition often leads to humorous and sometimes uncomfortable moments, and this year was no exception, especially with Scarlett Johansson, Jost's wife, watching from backstage. (Source)
The Joke Swap Tradition
The joke swap has become a hallmark of "SNL's" year-end episodes. Jost and Che craft jokes for each other, often touching on sensitive or personal topics, forcing the other to deliver them live on air. This setup creates spontaneous reactions and has become a fan favorite for its unpredictability and humor.
Jokes Targeting Scarlett Johansson
In this year's segment, Che wrote jokes for Jost that humorously targeted Johansson. One particularly famous one involved Jost adopting an over-the-top accent and proclaiming, "I want to dedicate this next joke to my boo, Scarlett Johansson." A graphic then appeared showing the 40th birthday of Johansson. The camera then cut to Johansson backstage where she is seen shaking her head in response and looking worried. Jost went on to make light of their child, humorously insinuating that the child was Black, accompanied by a Photoshopped picture. Johansson's reactions, such as gulping water and looking dumbfounded, added comedic effect to the segment. (Source)
Previous On-Air Jokes
This is not the first time Jost made jokes about his wife on "SNL." In May 2024, during another swap of jokes, Jost was asked to joke on Johansson's body about a movie she acted in, "Her." He remarked on not watching the film because, he quipped, "what is the point of listening" if "you don't have the visual to go with it." Jokes like these have become almost an integral part of an episode, mixing personal and professional comedy. (Source)
Scarlett Johansson's Viewpoint
Johansson has spoken about the jokes on-air. During an interview in July 2024, she mentioned that she "blacked out" when she heard a joke during the show, referring to the situation as traumatic. She, however, appreciated the humor and the fact that it was a live television show.
The Relationship between the Couple and Public Image
Colin Jost and Scarlett Johansson met on the set of "SNL" in 2017 and married in 2020. They have a son named Cosmo, born in August 2021. Their relationship has been very public, and both handled the attention with humor and grace. The on-air jokes by Jost about Johansson show a mix of personal and professional life, demonstrating how comfortable they are with public humor about their relationship.
Audience Reception
Mixed reactions from the audience were witnessed regarding these episodes; most found them funny and proof of how much the couple was in love, but others felt they were too personal. Live reactions, especially those that could be seen on Johansson's face, bring in an authenticity and spontaneity that relates well with viewers.
Conclusion
The "Weekend Update" joke swap on "SNL" remains an intersection of personal lives and comedy, especially for Colin Jost and Scarlett Johansson. Though the jokes tread into personal territory, they also reflect the couple's ability to navigate public scrutiny with humor and resilience. As "SNL" continues, audiences can expect more such moments that blend personal anecdotes with comedic flair.
