SNL’s Michael Che Talks About Why He Pushes Those Joke Swaps With Colin Jost So Far On Weekend Update

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SNL's Michael Che Talks About Why He Pushes Those Joke Swaps With Colin Jost So Far On Weekend Update

As a seasoned gamer and comedy aficionado, I can confidently say that the edgy humor exhibited by Michael Che and Colin Jost during their infamous joke swaps on Saturday Night Live is a testament to the evolving nature of comedy. Their unique brand of humor, which often pushes boundaries and challenges societal norms, resonates with audiences because it’s not merely about the content of the jokes but the dynamic between the two comedians.

These days, there’s a common discussion about topics that are considered off-limits in comedy. Some people mention the shifting rules and the dangers of getting “cancelled” when venturing into certain places. However, it’s worth noting that edgy humor is experiencing a resurgence and gaining more popularity than ever before. One example of this can be seen in the Weekend Update joke swaps on Saturday Night Live. Hosts Michael Che and Colin Jost occasionally engage in segments where they swap jokes to read, and these exchanges can be surprisingly bold, with the audience’s support throughout.

In a recent chat with The Hollywood Reporter, Che, Jost, and their longtime manager Lorne Michaels talked about the eagerly awaited 50th season of SNL, set to start soon, as well as the high-profile anniversary special slated for February. As the discussion unfolded, they touched on the popular joke exchanges, and Che was inquired if there’s a boundary. He replied that there isn’t, and during their conversation, he clarified his reasons for going to such extremes…

As a comedy enthusiast, I’d like to express that the concept of a defined line isn’t something I’m familiar with in the realm of humor. I believe context plays a significant role, and under the right circumstances, any joke can be effective, while under others, no joke will resonate. For instance, my favorite skit on SNL, the Joke Swap, is all about creating that believable tension between Colin and me, making it seem as though I’m intentionally embarrassing him in front of everyone, and vice versa. If we can pull that off successfully, the audience forgets about the content of the joke itself. Instead, they focus on the shock factor: ‘I can’t believe he’s making him say that!’ rather than judging it as right or wrong.

Many discuss the concept of making light of disadvantaged situations in humor, and contemporary spectators typically find it unamusing when jokes focus on marginalized groups or those lacking power for laughter. The reason why these swap jokes are effective, as suggested by Che, is that they themselves are not the subject of the humor.

The intended recipient of the humor in this context is the one required to deliver the joke, making the listeners laugh, not at the joke itself but rather at the unfortunate presenter who must read something potentially offensive. Therefore, it’s crucial to note that while jokes can sometimes be quite funny, their impact intensifies for the person reading them, especially when they are racist or hurtful. This might explain why Colin Jost referred to the recurring skit as “terrifying.

As partners who’ve shared countless gaming sessions over the years, Che and Jost’s camaraderie is second to none. In their finest moments, they’re like old pals bantering playfully, that friendly sibling rivalry vibe you get when you joke around with a buddy. It’s these exchanges that make us feel like we’re right there in the thick of it, sharing a laugh with our own gaming crew. The looks they exchange? They’re the same ones we give each other when we tease about that last epic fail – the bond between friends, strengthened by good-natured jabs and shared memories.

Although Che and Jost haven’t explicitly confirmed another joke swap for Season 50, it seems highly probable that it will happen eventually. If everything goes smoothly, it will undoubtedly contribute to the numerous viral moments we can expect in a busy period featuring a presidential election, several dynamic guest hosts, multiple appearances by former cast members, and of course, the anticipated Season 50 special, promising excitement similar to SNL’s 40th anniversary.

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2024-09-22 19:37