Saturday Night Live is more than just a comedy institution—it’s a cultural battleground where generations of performers have sharpened their blades of satire. As the iconic show barrels through its milestone 50th season, few figures stand as steadfastly in its comedic trenches as Colin Jost. With the season finale featuring his wife Scarlett Johansson as host, Jost isn’t just closing out a chapter; he’s cementing his place in SNL lore, not unlike a certain Marvel or DC hero making their final stand in a trilogy.
Jost’s Finale Appearances Turn Personal Into Powerful Punchlines
There’s a unique flavor to the final three episodes of SNL Season 50, and it’s one that’s been slowly simmering throughout the season. Scarlett Johansson hosting the May 17 finale—with Bad Bunny tearing the stage as musical guest—adds star power, but for Weekend Update co-anchor Colin Jost, it’s personal. Johansson, a seasoned Five-Timer like Jost, isn’t just an SNL alum guesting one last time; she’s his wife. And that dynamic has given Jost’s comedic duels with Michael Che an extra layer of emotional resonance (and comedic ammunition).
In recent finales, Che and Jost have traded jokes written by the other, often lobbing lines at Jost that revolve around Johansson. It’s a clever twist on the traditional “joke-swap” format—one that turns the usual ribbing into something more intimate and immersive. Watching Jost deliver a punchline at the expense of his own marriage persona is akin to seeing Tony Stark make a self-aware quip about his own hubris in Avengers: Endgame. It’s meta, it’s brave, and it somehow makes the moment hit harder.
Weekend Update: Jost’s Batcave of Consistent Relevance
If Weekend Update is SNL’s Gotham City, then Colin Jost has been one of its most reliable protectors—if not always its most flamboyant one. Since stepping into the anchor chair, Jost has balanced sharp political satire with a grounded, almost everyman delivery. He’s never sought to overshadow the segment with bombastic energy, choosing instead to refine his timing and tone, much like how Chris Evans evolved from a peppy Cap to the more nuanced Steve Rogers.
Jost’s strength lies in his consistency and growth. Over the years, he’s transformed Weekend Update from a platform for surface-level jokes into a space where he can subtly comment on culture, politics, and even his own public persona. His chemistry with Che—who brings a more explosive style—creates a dynamic not unlike the balance between Iron Man’s wit and Captain America’s steadiness. Together, they make Update feel like its own mini-episode every week.
Season 50: A Comic-Book Milestone for Jost and SNL
Comic book fans know the significance of a character hitting their 50th issue or season—it's when writers dig into what makes them tick. That’s exactly what SNL is doing with its 50th season, and Colin Jost is at the center of that exploration. The recent anniversary special, where Johansson, Jost, and Che performed in a “New York 50th Musical,” wasn’t just fan service. It was a celebration of legacy, and Jost’s role in it across two decades.
Johansson’s multiple appearances this season— including her split-screen reaction cam during the Christmas episode’s joke swap—feel like the sort of Easter eggs Marvel throws into post-credit scenes. They may not advance the plot, but they deepen the emotional world of the character. For Jost, having Johansson on set as both partner and comedic sparring partner adds a new dimension to his SNL journey.
More than a Comedian: Jost as SNL’s Cultural Anchor
While stars like Walton Goggins are making their first hosting impressions this May, and Bad Bunny is redefining what it means to be an SNL musical guest, Colin Jost remains the show's quiet constant. He’s not just surviving the chaos; he’s anchoring it. Like how Vin Diesel grounds the wild energy of the Fast & Furious crew with Dominic Toretto’s core values, Jost grounds SNL with a sense of continuity and cultural awareness.
His jokes may sometimes put him in the firing line, especially when Che weaponizes them against his real-life marriage, but that's part of what makes Jost's role so powerful. He turns personal vulnerability into comedic strength—a transformation as compelling as Bruce Banner becoming the Hulk, but with punchlines instead of punches.
The Final Act of a Season-Long Saga
As SNL barrels toward its final Episode 50 of the season—and perhaps a new era of the show itself—Colin Jost isn’t just part of the cast. He’s part of the show's DNA. With Scarlett Johansson hosting, and Bad Bunny bringing the noise, the last show promises to be a culmination of what Jost represents: sharp wit, cultural resonance, and a willingness to blend the personal with the powerful.
In a world of flashy guest hosts and viral sketches, Colin Jost is the steady hero who’s been defending SNL’s comedic legacy all season long. And this time, he’s doing it not just for the audience—but with the most meaningful ally by his side.