For over a decade, the faces of Colin Jost and Michael Che have become synonymous with the satirical news desk of Saturday Night Live's "Weekend Update." Their contrasting yet complementary styles, characterized by Jost's affable Ivy League wit and Che's sharp, often provocative social commentary, have defined a significant era of the long-running sketch comedy show. Yet, the precise circumstances of their initial meeting and the deliberate forging of their highly successful partnership remain a subject of considerable interest, revealing much about the dynamics of SNL's creative process and the strategic assembly of its talent.
Editor's Note: Published on July 31, 2024. This article explores the facts and social context surrounding the formation of Colin Jost and Michael Che's comedy partnership.
Individual Paths to Prominence
Before their names became inexorably linked, both Colin Jost and Michael Che were formidable presences in the comedy landscape, each cultivating distinct voices and career trajectories. Colin Josts journey at Saturday Night Live began in 2005 as a writer, steadily climbing the ranks to become a co-head writer by 2012. His ascent to the "Weekend Update" anchor chair in 2014, following Seth Meyers' departure, marked a significant personal milestone. Jost, a Harvard graduate, was known for his sharp, intellectual humor and a knack for crafting incisive political and cultural jokes that resonated with the show's established comedic brand. His experience was deeply rooted in the show's writing rooms, giving him an intrinsic understanding of its mechanisms.
Michael Che, on the other hand, arrived with a different, albeit equally impressive, pedigree. A respected stand-up comedian with a raw, observational style, Che gained critical acclaim for his fearless commentary on race, class, and everyday absurdities. His talent led him to a brief but impactful stint as a correspondent for Comedy Central's The Daily Show with Jon Stewart in 2014. Before that, Che had also spent a season as a writer for Saturday Night Live in 2013-2014, making him familiar with the show's environment but primarily as a contributor rather than a central figure. His comedic sensibility offered a stark, refreshing counterpoint to the more traditional SNL humor, positioning him as an exciting, emerging voice in the industry.
"Lorne Michaels possesses an uncanny ability to identify comedic synergy, often pairing individuals whose styles, on paper, might seem divergent but prove to be perfectly complementary. The decision to unite Jost and Che was a masterclass in this philosophy."
The Fateful Transition and New Alignment
The pivotal moment for their partnership arrived in late 2014. Colin Jost had been anchoring "Weekend Update" for less than a year, initially alongside Cecily Strong. However, a creative decision was made to allow Strong to return to her strength as a sketch performer, opening a vacancy at the iconic desk. This created an opportunity for Saturday Night Live creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels to reimagine the segment's dynamic. It was at this juncture that Michael Che was brought back to SNL, not just as a writer, but as Jost's co-anchor, marking the first time the segment was co-anchored by two men and the first time an African American comedian held the "Weekend Update" anchor position.
The decision to pair Jost and Che was not arbitrary. It reflected a conscious effort to inject a new kind of energy and a broader range of perspectives into "Weekend Update." While Jost brought a polished, sometimes deadpan delivery, Che offered a more grounded, often subversive, and undeniably charismatic presence. This alignment was less about a single "meeting" and more about a strategic casting choice made by Michaels, who recognized the potential for a dynamic tension and comedic friction between their distinct approaches. Their initial interactions were, by necessity, professional and driven by the need to establish rapport quickly under intense live television scrutiny.
Surprising Fact: Prior to their co-anchoring, Che's tenure as an SNL writer (2013-2014) overlapped with Jost's time as a head writer, establishing a professional acquaintance before their on-screen pairing.
