Saturday Night Live’s (SNL) Weekend Update has long been a proving ground for biting humor, quick comebacks, and playful rivalry. But in the Season 50 finale, the usual comedic banter escalated into something entirely unforgettable. Actress Scarlett Johansson and co-anchor Colin Jost joined forces to deliver a hilarious “revenge plot” against Michael Che — one that had audiences roaring with laughter and set a new precedent for SNL comedy.
What started as a joke swap quickly turned into a legendary comedic moment, blending clever writing, unscripted improvisation, and celebrity wit. Let’s take a closer look at how this playful feud unfolded and why it’s destined to be remembered as one of the funniest SNL moments of all time.
1. The Backstory: A Joke Too Far
The rivalry began months before, in a December 2024 episode of Weekend Update. Traditionally, Jost and Che exchange jokes written for each other — a segment designed to generate spontaneous humor. But this time, Che read a shockingly risqué joke about Scarlett Johansson, making an unflattering comparison involving roast beef that stunned the audience and Johansson herself.
The joke became an instant talking point in comedy circles, with fans debating whether Che had crossed a line. Behind the scenes, Johansson reportedly found the humor playful but knew she would have her chance to strike back. Her wit and sense of timing set the stage for a comedic payback that would come months later.
2. Season 50 Finale: The Stage is Set
On May 17, 2025, the Season 50 finale promised surprises — and Johansson delivered. She joined the Weekend Update stage not just as a guest but as an active participant in comedic payback.
The segment began with Jost and Che following their usual joke swap routine. But the dynamic shifted quickly when Che paused mid-joke to deliver a mock apology. “Before I continue, I want to apologize to Scarlett,” Che said, dramatically inviting her to the stage.
Johansson entered to applause, wearing a stylish maroon blouse and jeans. Her expression mixed amusement with playful anticipation — the audience knew something big was coming.
3. The Revenge: Comedy as a Weapon
Che read Jost’s apology joke aloud, a self-deprecating bit referencing Che’s own faux scandal of selling crack outside the Bronx Zoo. The crowd roared with laughter, and Johansson nodded with mock seriousness, signaling her satisfaction.
Then came the twist. Johansson and Jost teamed up to turn the joke swap into a comedic sting operation. Jost read increasingly absurd jokes targeting Che — some so edgy they left the audience in stitches while toeing the line of controversy.
One standout moment came when Che accidentally fell for Jost’s trick, nearly uttering a forbidden racial slur on live television. This spontaneous chaos cemented the segment as one of SNL’s boldest moments in recent memory.
4. Behind the Scenes: The Trio’s Chemistry
What made this moment shine wasn’t just the humor — it was the chemistry between Johansson, Jost, and Che. Interviews after the episode revealed how much of the segment was improvised, relying on quick thinking and trust between the performers.
Johansson joked about the experience: “We need to go into witness protection after that night. I’m terrified we’re going to be targeted — it’s so bad.” Her candidness reflected not only her comedic timing but also her willingness to participate fully in the fun.
Jost later admitted in interviews that the joke swap was “a planned chaos” — a chance to push boundaries and have fun while keeping the audience guessing.
5. The Humor and the Risks
Comedy thrives on risk, and SNL has built its legacy on pushing boundaries. This particular Weekend Update was a perfect example of that ethos. The interplay between Johansson, Jost, and Che blurred the lines between scripted humor and improvisation, leaving viewers unsure what was planned and what was spontaneous.
Critics praised the segment for its fearlessness. “It’s rare to see such a level of comedic collaboration that feels both raw and carefully orchestrated,” one entertainment analyst wrote. The segment became an example of how comedy can tackle embarrassment and rivalry in a way that entertains without crossing into cruelty.
6. Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact
The moment quickly became a viral sensation. Clips of Johansson and Jost’s revenge on Che circulated widely across social media, with fans praising the playful rivalry. Hashtags like #SNLRevenge and #WeekendUpdateWar trended on Twitter within hours of the episode airing.
Many fans hailed it as a turning point for Weekend Update, arguing it showed that the segment could evolve beyond standard joke swaps into full-blown comedic narratives. Entertainment blogs and news outlets covered the event extensively, cementing its place in SNL history.
7. The Legacy: A New Benchmark for SNL
This episode is now considered one of SNL’s most memorable finales. The playful payback set a new standard for what a Weekend Update segment can be: a dynamic interplay of improv, celebrity involvement, and meta-humor.
It was more than a joke — it was a story arc. Johansson’s return to the stage wasn’t just a guest appearance; it was a comedic coup, a payoff for months of banter and buildup.
SNL has always thrived on pushing boundaries, and this moment proved that the show can still surprise audiences decades into its run.
8. Lessons in Comedy and Collaboration
Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost’s antics with Michael Che highlight something essential about comedy: it’s a collaborative art form. Their trust and timing turned what could have been an awkward exchange into a comedic highlight.
For comedians, actors, and entertainers, this episode is a case study in how humor can be used as a bonding tool, a playful weapon, and a way to create unforgettable moments.
9. Conclusion: Comedy, Revenge, and Legacy
The Season 50 finale of SNL delivered not just laughs but a cultural moment. Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost’s revenge on Michael Che transcended a simple joke swap — it became a theatrical comedy spectacle.
By blending scripted humor, improvisation, and a playful rivalry, they delivered a segment that will be remembered as one of SNL’s boldest moments. Their performance was a testament to the power of humor — a reminder that comedy can challenge, surprise, and unite us in laughter.
Scarlett Johansson got her revenge, Colin Jost nailed the execution, and Michael Che was the perfect target — all in the name of comedy. And the audience? They got a night of SNL they’ll never forget.