Scarlett Johansson had a night to remember on December 21, when her husband, Colin Jost, made explicit jokes about her during the “Weekend Update” segment on Saturday Night Live (SNL). The couple, who have been married since 2020, found themselves at the center of attention as Jost participated in a “joke swap” with his co-host, Michael Che.

The Joke Swap Tradition

The “joke swap” is a beloved tradition on SNL’s “Weekend Update,” where co-hosts read jokes written by the other without prior notice or approval. This often leads to hilarious and unexpected moments, as the hosts are caught off guard by the content. On this particular night, Jost was well aware that Che would likely make him tell some controversial jokes, but he might not have anticipated the extent to which his famous wife would be involved.

Jokes at Scarlett’s Expense

Jost began by dedicating a joke to his “boo,” Scarlett Johansson, who was watching the broadcast outside the studio. “She’s so genuinely worried,” he noted, hinting at the nature of the jokes to come. The first joke referenced Johansson’s recent 40th birthday, with Jost jokingly suggesting that he was ready to leave her. He then made a more controversial joke about their son, Cosmo, which elicited a mix of head shakes and exclamations from Johansson.

The most explicit joke, which involved roast beef sandwiches and oral sex, left Johansson visibly shocked. Her immediate reaction was captured on camera, as she exclaimed, “Oh my god!” and “Holy shit!” The visceral response highlighted the unexpected and personal nature of the jokes.

The Impact of SNL on Their Relationship

SNL has played a significant role in Johansson and Jost’s relationship. The couple met during one of Johansson’s hosting gigs in 2006 or 2010, depending on which of them you ask, but they didn’t start dating until 2017. Johansson has often spoken about the importance of SNL in her life, stating during her sixth hosting gig in 2019, “I have so many friends here, and I met the love of my life here.”

Their relationship has been a topic of interest for fans and media alike, with many curious about how they balance their personal and professional lives. The joke swap incident on December 21 is a testament to their ability to navigate the complexities of their public personas with humor and grace.

Michael Che’s Perspective

Michael Che, known for his sharp wit and boundary-pushing humor, has often joked about Jost’s relationship with Johansson. During an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2018, Che teased Jost about how he had “changed” since dating Johansson. “I feel like, you’ve changed, you don’t invite me places,” Che said. “And when you do, you ditch me.”

Che’s jokes during the “joke swap” segment may have been his way of addressing this dynamic, using humor to bridge the gap between their personal and professional lives. The playful banter between the co-hosts adds an extra layer of entertainment for viewers, who enjoy seeing the camaraderie and chemistry between them.

Reactions from Fans and Media

The joke swap segment quickly became a talking point on social media, with fans sharing their reactions to the explicit jokes and Johansson’s response. Many praised the couple for their ability to handle the situation with humor and grace, while others expressed surprise at the boldness of the jokes.

Entertainment Weekly’s senior writer, Maureen Lee Lenker, noted the significance of the moment in her coverage of the event. Lenker, an award-winning journalist with extensive experience in the entertainment industry, highlighted the impact of SNL on Johansson and Jost’s relationship and the unique nature of the joke swap tradition.

Conclusion

The December 21 episode of SNL will be remembered for the bold and explicit jokes made at Scarlett Johansson’s expense. The visceral reaction from Johansson, combined with the playful banter between Colin Jost and Michael Che, created a memorable and entertaining segment. As fans continue to discuss the incident, it serves as a reminder of the unique and unpredictable nature of live television and the enduring appeal of SNL’s “Weekend Update.”

For those who missed the episode, it is available to watch on YouTube and NBC’s streaming platforms. As always, SNL continues to push boundaries and deliver unforgettable moments that keep audiences coming back for more.