When the Joke Hits Back
In the golden halls of American sketch comedy, few institutions shine as brightly or endure as powerfully as Saturday Night Live (SNL). Over 50 seasons, the show has carved out a legacy of satire, slapstick, and razor-sharp wit that has not only entertained millions but also shaped public discourse. Among the many beloved segments, Weekend Update a mock news sketch helmed by anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che has become iconic.
But on May 18, 2025, in the final episode of the landmark 50th season, a surprising twist took place. Scarlett Johansson, Hollywood A-lister and wife of Jost, joined forces with her husband to turn the tables on Che in a comedic revenge plot that had the audience roaring. This wasn’t just another sketch it was a heartfelt, hilarious, and masterfully orchestrated comeback for a joke that crossed the line months earlier.
Here’s a deep dive into what led to this unforgettable moment, how it played out on live TV, and why it’s one of the best examples of comedic redemption in recent SNL memory.
The Set-Up: A Joke Too Far
In December 2024, during a holiday special of Weekend Update, Michael Che did what he’s famous for writing an outrageous joke that blindsided his co-anchor Colin Jost. The twist? The joke wasn’t just offensive; it was aimed directly at Jost’s wife, Scarlett Johansson.
The Joke Heard Around the Studio
The joke, crafted by Che and forced upon Jost to read live on-air, compared Johansson’s anatomy to a “Costco roast beef sandwich.” The delivery was met with audible gasps and raucous laughter, not just from the audience but also from Johansson, who was watching from the sidelines. Cameras caught her reaction mouth agape, eyes wide in disbelief. Though the actress had been warned by producers about the nature of the joke, she later said she wasn’t prepared for how “old-school gross” it was.
In interviews, Johansson described how uncomfortable and blindsided she felt. The moment went viral, with countless fans debating whether the joke went too far or was all in good fun. It left one thing certain: Scarlett Johansson was not letting it go anytime soon.
Planning the Revenge: SNL’s Ultimate Payback
Flash forward to May 2025. The season 50 finale was not just any episode it was a celebration of five decades of comedy. With stars past and present dropping in and nostalgic skits aplenty, fans expected fireworks. But no one anticipated the firestorm of laughter Scarlett Johansson would set off by crashing the Weekend Update desk.
Enter: Scarlett the Host
Johansson wasn’t just there for a cameo she was the host of the night, and that gave her all-access privileges. As Jost and Che prepared for their customary joke swap segment, Che began with a tone that was unusually somber for SNL.
“Before I tell another joke,” Che began, “I want to take this opportunity to apologize to someone I hurt. Scarlett, can you come out here?”
Cue audience pandemonium.
The Joke Swap Reversal
As Johansson walked onto the Weekend Update stage, fans knew something epic was about to happen. Che, now playing the victim, began reading what was supposedly a heartfelt apology he wrote himself. But anyone familiar with the show’s dynamics knew something was off.
The joke was actually written by Jost and it was brutal.
“I was just lashing out because I’m jealous,” Che read aloud. “I’ve never even seen a human vagina.”
Scarlett, with the deadpan confidence of a seasoned comedian, stood by, savoring every second.
What followed were a series of self-deprecating, embarrassing, and intentionally ridiculous jokes about Che, written by Jost and delivered by Che himself. One memorable line had Che admitting he “had more nipples than a pregnant dog,” to which Johansson dryly quipped, “Yes, I’ve heard that about you.”
It was flawless comedic timing Che humiliated, Jost triumphant, and Johansson the queen of the punchline.
The Art of the Joke Swap: A Beloved SNL Tradition
The Weekend Update Joke Swap is no new invention. It has been a recurring fan-favorite where Che and Jost write jokes for each other without revealing the content ahead of time. The result? Hilarious, awkward, and often borderline offensive moments that are delivered with straight faces to live audiences.
A Comedic Arms Race
In past seasons, Joke Swaps have included jokes about race, politics, relationships, and personal lives. The humor stems from the hosts’ inability to escape the joke they must read it live, no matter how uncomfortable it makes them. Over time, this tradition has evolved into an arms race of outrageousness. But until now, it had never included a spouse getting involved in the revenge.
This crossover between the personal and professional brought a new emotional depth to the gag. It wasn’t just about getting laughs it was about making a statement, and doing it through comedy.
Internet Reaction: Fans Can’t Get Enough
As clips of the segment began circulating on social media, fan response was immediate and overwhelming. Millions viewed the video within hours of posting, and hashtags like #ScarlettRevenge, #WeekendUpdate and #CheGotRoasted began trending on Twitter and Instagram.
Media Buzz
Major entertainment outlets like E! News, Page Six, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter covered the moment, calling it “comedic gold” and praising Johansson for her “unexpectedly sharp comedic timing.” Even late-night hosts referenced it in their own monologues, showing just how much the sketch had permeated popular culture.
Audience Praise
Fans especially loved how the segment balanced humor with heart. Many commented that they appreciated seeing Johansson out of her usual dramatic or action roles and into a sketch where she wasn’t just playing a part she was being herself. Others noted that her calm, confident delivery showed that revenge is best served cold and with a smile.
Inside the Writers’ Room: How the Sketch Came Together
According to sources close to SNL, the plan for the revenge sketch had been in the works for months. Jost reportedly worked with writers to perfect every punchline, ensuring they would land without being too mean-spirited.
Respect and Boundaries
Despite the nature of the joke swap, SNL producers have emphasized that the jokes no matter how cutting are always pre-approved by the people involved. Che gave the green light for the revenge, and even helped rehearse the segment backstage. This level of trust is what allows the humor to soar without crossing into harmful territory.
Scarlett’s Comedic Side: A New Career Angle?
Though widely known for her dramatic prowess and action-hero chops as Black Widow, Scarlett Johansson has always had a knack for comedy. Her past hosting stints on SNL have included memorable roles from Ivanka Trump spoofs to parodies of romantic dramas but this time, she wasn’t playing a character. She was simply being a wife, a friend, and a comic.
Could There Be More Comedy in Her Future?
After such a successful and well-received performance, fans and industry insiders are speculating whether Johansson might explore more comedic roles. Her natural timing, facial expressions, and subtle sarcasm made her the standout of the episode even in a cast full of comedy veterans.
Lessons in Humor, Friendship, and Payback
What made this sketch so successful wasn’t just the writing or the delivery. It was the underlying message humor can heal, and friendships can thrive even under the heat of live television and harsh punchlines.
Che and Jost: The Ultimate Comedy Duo
Though Che was the butt of the joke this time, his reaction was equally important. He laughed along, smiled graciously, and even hugged Jost afterward. That moment was a beautiful reminder that at the heart of comedy lies connection, and that sometimes being the joke is a way of showing love.
A Finale to Remember
SNL’s 50th season finale gave fans everything they hoped for nostalgia, laughter, and a big surprise. Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost’s revenge on Michael Che wasn’t just a personal victory; it was a masterclass in comedy writing, live delivery, and timing. It reminded viewers that laughter is often the best form of justice and that SNL, after half a century, still knows how to create unforgettable television moments.
As we look forward to Season 51, fans will no doubt continue to relive this viral exchange, watching Johansson prove that comedy doesn’t just belong to the boys behind the desk. Sometimes, the best punchlines come from the ones we least expect.
