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Why Michael Che and Colin Jost Said All Those Awful Things
The “Weekend Update” joke swap is a celebration of friendship, bad taste, and the importance of context.
TL;DR
- Michael Che and Colin Jost have a tradition of writing shocking and offensive jokes for each other to deliver on SNL's "Weekend Update."
- The humor derives from the comedians' anguished delivery and the context, turning the discomfort of the joke teller into the main gag.
- This biannual tradition has become a highlight of SNL, showcasing the deep friendship and artistic understanding between Che and Jost.
- The joke swaps are characterized by leaning into each other's perceived personalities: Jost writing offensive material for Che, and Che writing material that makes Jost appear as a louche deviant.
- The tradition provides audiences with permission to laugh at jokes that might otherwise be considered unacceptable.
- This fraternal, albeit crude, humor contrasts with the more overtly hostile exchanges seen in other comedy settings like Netflix's Kevin Hart roast.