Scarlett Johansson's Unforgettable SNL Moment: A Hilarious Roast and a Wife's Reaction

It's the most shocking time of the year for "Saturday Night Live." During the sketch show's final episode of 2024, "Weekend Update" anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che once again partook in their biannual "joke swap." This tradition involves each anchor reading jokes written by the other, unseen, often resulting in horribly offensive and unexpected material.

The Twist: Scarlett Johansson's Backstage View

But this time, there was a twist: Jost's wife, Scarlett Johansson, was in the building after appearing in a sketch about the show's five-time hosts. A camera was strategically placed to capture her reactions, and Jost himself noted that she looked "so genuinely worried." This unexpected element transformed the usual "Weekend Update" banter into a must-see viral moment.

The Jokes That Made Headlines

The jokes themselves were a rollercoaster of uncomfortable humor. Jost, armed with jokes written by Che, started with a quip about leaving his wife after her recent 40th birthday. He dedicated the joke to his "boo," Scarlett, announcing that her milestone birthday meant he was "about to get up out of there!" The camera then cut to Johansson backstage, a blend of amusement and disbelief evident on her face.

He didn't stop there. Jost followed up with a joke about their child, adding, "We just had a kid together, and y'all ain't seen no pictures of him yet because he's Black as hell." A photoshopped image of the couple with a Black child only amplified the shock. Johansson's reaction? A headshake and a quiet sip of her drink.

The jokes didn't end there. A third, even more R-rated joke, referencing Costco's removal of the roast beef sandwich, sent Johansson into audible gasps of "Oh, my God!" The segment became a viral sensation, with clips circulating widely across social media, sparking conversations about the boundaries of comedy and the dynamics of a celebrity couple facing such public scrutiny.

Michael Che's Retaliation

Che wasn't left unscathed. His jokes for Jost included one about "Moana 2" being a box-office hit, explaining the success with the line: "like me and my good friend Jeffrey Epstein used to say, there's nothing like an island adventure with a teenage girl." The joke was quickly followed by a clarifying statement, a stark contrast to the preceding statement and attempting damage control. This, coupled with a joke referencing allegations against Jay-Z and Diddy, created a chaotic and memorable segment.

Audience Reactions and the Aftermath

The audience reaction was a mix of laughter, gasps, and stunned silence. The sheer audacity of the jokes, amplified by Johansson's on-camera response, created a spectacle unlike any other "Weekend Update" segment. Social media exploded with reactions, ranging from outrage to amusement, showcasing the segment's impact on a broader scale. Many praised Che's boldness, while others questioned the taste and appropriateness of the jokes, particularly those directed at Johansson.

A Tradition of Humiliation

This wasn't the first time Jost found himself the target of Che's jokes involving Johansson. In previous years, Che had previously used this segment to target Jost through his wife. In a July 2024 interview, Johansson admitted her dread of the annual segment, jokingly suggesting they needed witness protection after each episode. Her past comments highlight the established tradition within SNL, reinforcing the anticipation and, for some, apprehension surrounding this specific segment each year.

The Unexpected Success of the Joke Swap

Despite the controversy, the segment's success is undeniable. The combination of unexpected twists and shocking jokes resulted in a viral moment that dominated online conversations for days. The segment successfully blurred the lines between staged comedy and genuine reactions, creating a unique and engaging experience for viewers. The unexpected inclusion of Johansson's real-time reactions added a layer of authenticity and unpredictability, transforming a usual segment into a memorable spectacle.

A Night to Remember (or Forget?)

The "Weekend Update" joke swap of 2024 will certainly be remembered as one of the most talked-about moments in SNL history. Whether viewed as hilarious or offensive, the segment undoubtedly achieved its goal: capturing the audience's attention and sparking a widespread conversation.

The segment's success, however, raises questions about the ethics of public humiliation within comedy, particularly when personal relationships are involved. The lines between comedic freedom and personal boundaries were pushed, leaving viewers to ponder their own reactions and perspectives on the humorous, if often controversial, tradition.