Weekend Update Goes Wild: Jost & Che Push Boundaries in "Joke Swap" Tradition

 Saturday Night Live's iconic "Weekend Update" segment has become a staple of late-night television. Anchored by the comedic duo of Colin Jost and Michael Che, the segment delivers sharp takes on current events, celebrity gossip, and everything in between. A recent tradition within "Weekend Update" has seen Jost and Che write jokes for each other, adding a playful twist to their news delivery. However, during the Season 49 finale, things took a hilarious turn as they completely broke the mold, pushing boundaries and leaving audiences in stitches.

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A Tradition of Friendly Fire

The "joke swap" tradition began a few seasons back, with Jost and Che writing jokes intended to be slightly offbeat or embarrassing for the other to deliver. It offered a glimpse into their comedic dynamic and often resulted in some truly funny moments.  For example, Jost might have to deliver a self-deprecating joke about his perceived blandness, while Che might find himself reading a zinger aimed at his, shall we say, less-than-traditional background.

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Season 49 Finale: Gloves Are Off

This year's Season 49 finale saw the "joke swap" segment take a sharp turn for the outrageous. Che, clearly aiming to make amends for a past prank, introduced a "real, practicing rabbi" as his guest. This seemingly innocuous gesture set the stage for some truly wild humor. Jost, never one to shy away from a challenge, tackled a recent Jerry Seinfeld commencement speech controversy with a joke that was both offensive and (dare we say) supportive of Seinfeld himself.

The gloves truly came off when Che aimed a playful jab at Jost's wife, Scarlett Johansson. Referencing the recent release of a voice assistant inspired by Johansson's film "Her," Che's joke questioned the purpose of such technology without the allure of Johansson herself. Jost countered with a quick quip directed at the rabbi, jokingly asking about the source of recent weather patterns, a subtle (and likely pre-written) nod to the ongoing conspiracy theory about Jewish space lasers (a theory Che himself has previously mocked).

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Pushing Boundaries, Earning Laughs

The entire exchange between Jost and Che was a masterclass in comedic timing and delivery. Jost's deadpan expression while reading a joke about freeing Harvey Weinstein (obviously pre-written) contrasted perfectly with Che's barely concealed glee at his colleague's discomfort. What truly elevated the segment was the sheer audacity of the jokes themselves. While some may have crossed the line for network television, the pre-recorded nature of the finale allowed for more creative freedom.

The Art of the "Joke Swap"

The "joke swap" tradition, even in its more traditional form, highlights the unique chemistry between Jost and Che. Their contrasting styles – Jost's straight-laced delivery versus Che's more laid-back approach – create a tension that fuels the humor.

Want Your Own "Joke Swap"?

The success of Jost and Che's "joke swap" segment has inspired countless fans to try their hand at writing comedic bits for their friends. If you're looking to inject some laughter into your next gathering, consider enlisting the help of a talented comedy writer on Fiverr. Fiverr is a freelance marketplace where you can find a wide range of creative professionals, including comedy writers. You can provide them with specific details about your friends, inside jokes, and desired comedic style, and they can craft a set of hilarious "joke swap" material guaranteed to leave everyone in stitches.

Are you ready to grow as a business? Explore Fiverr, choose the professional you’d like to work with, and get started today.

So, the next time you're looking to add a touch of SNL-inspired humor to your social gathering, head over to Fiverr and find yourself a comedy writer. Who knows, you might just create your own viral "joke swap" moment!

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Weekend Update: Jost & Che Joke Swap - FAQs

What is the "joke swap" tradition on SNL's Weekend Update?

Jost and Che, anchors of Weekend Update, write jokes for each other to deliver. These jokes are typically designed to be slightly embarrassing or offbeat for the other person, offering a playful jab and showcasing their comedic dynamic.

How was the joke swap different in the Season 49 finale?

The Season 49 finale saw a much bolder approach. Jokes tackled sensitive topics, with references to celebrity news, conspiracy theories, and even past pranks between Jost and Che.

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Were the jokes offensive?

Some jokes arguably crossed the line for network television, but the pre-recorded nature of the finale allowed for more creative freedom. The humor stemmed from the absurdity and audacity of the material, delivered with perfect comedic timing.

Why did they use Fiverr as an example in the article?

The article uses Fiverr as an example because the success of the "joke swap" segment inspires people to try similar humor with friends. Fiverr is a freelance marketplace where you can find comedy writers to craft personalized "joke swap" content for your own social gatherings.

Can I hire a comedy writer on Fiverr?

Absolutely! Fiverr offers a wide range of creative professionals, including comedy writers. You can provide details about your friends, inside jokes, and desired comedic style, and the writer will craft jokes specifically for your "joke swap."

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