For several years, the highly anticipated final episode of “Saturday Night Live” each season features an entertaining segment of “Weekend Update.” During this segment, co-anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che write jokes that the other must read for the very first time live on air. This unique format often leads to hilariously awkward moments, especially for Jost, who frequently finds himself delivering jokes centered around race and racism that are both shockingly tone-deaf and comically exaggerated — yet, within the right context, they become quite humorous and thought-provoking.

This year, however, Che discovered a fresh way to challenge Jost: by making him deliver outrageous jokes about his wife, Scarlett Johansson. This was particularly amusing as the live camera captured Johansson’s genuine reactions from the hallway outside the studio. The episode’s cold open featured Johansson welcoming host Martin Short into the exclusive Five Timers Club, and Che seized the opportunity to inject some playful mischief at the couple’s expense, creating an unforgettable moment for the audience.

The comedic bit kicked off with Jost announcing that he would be “reading all the jokes in ‘Black voice’ so I don’t get in trouble,” which led him to hilariously tackle a joke about Kamala Harris’s stance on reparations for slavery. This setup laid the groundwork for a series of jokes that pushed the boundaries of political correctness while still managing to entertain and provoke thought among viewers, reflecting the bold nature of SNL’s humor.

“Effectively, damn girl, me too,” Jost exclaimed, barely containing his laughter as he navigated through the punchline. “Because white folks deserve our money back for all those slaves that ran away.” This line exemplified SNL’s penchant for blending humor with controversial topics, showcasing Jost’s ability to deliver punchlines that, while politically charged, resonate with the audience’s sense of humor and societal commentary.

However, that was just the beginning of the comedic challenges Jost faced regarding his wife. Just the mere sight of Johansson’s face displayed over Jost’s shoulder generated palpable excitement and anticipation among the audience, as they eagerly awaited the humorous comments that would inevitably follow. The atmosphere was charged with laughter and expectation, setting the stage for the outrageous jokes that would ensue.

“I want to dedicate this next joke to my boo, Scarlett Johansson,” Jost declared, prompting a camera cut to a visibly nervous Johansson, who was anxiously clutching a drink as she watched her husband from a monitor above her. This moment encapsulated the hilarity of the entire segment, showcasing the dynamic between Jost’s comedic bravado and Johansson’s genuine apprehension, making it all the more entertaining for the audience.

“No! No!” Jost exclaimed dramatically. “Oh my gosh, she’s so genuinely worried!” This playful banter added an extra layer of humor to the segment, as the audience could sense the tension and amusement all at once, heightening the comedic effect of the unfolding jokes.

Then, Jost dove into the heart of the segment, reading the jokes Che had crafted specifically for him, which added to the spontaneity and unpredictability of the segment. Each joke was a surprise, both to Jost and the audience, making for an engaging viewing experience that kept everyone on their toes.

“Y’all know Scarlett just celebrated her fortieth birthday, which means I’m about to get out of there!” Jost quipped, bursting into laughter before he could even finish the punchline. After regaining his composure and with Che reminding him that there was more to the joke, Jost continued. “Shiz! Nah, nah. I’m just playing,” he said, adding a personal touch. “We just had a baby together, and y’all haven’t seen any photos of him yet because he’s Black as hell!” At this point, a Photoshopped image of Jost and Johansson holding a Black baby hilariously appeared over Jost’s shoulder, eliciting uproarious laughter from the audience.

Che also faced his fair share of comedic humiliation, as he was compelled to deliver jokes about “Moana 2” and Jeffrey Epstein, Jay-Z, and his humorous promise to Diddy regarding “I’ll help get you off.” However, the spotlight soon returned to Jost, who concluded the segment with a particularly risqué joke about his wife that genuinely startled Johansson. This punchline was so bold that it certainly wasn’t for the faint-hearted, showcasing the limits of SNL’s daring humor.

“Costco has removed their roast beef sandwich from its menu, but I ain’t tripping,” Jost remarked. “I be eating roast beef every night since my wife had the baby!” After the audience, Jost, and Che all paused to catch their breath from laughing, Jost delivered the final lines. “Nah, nah, I’m just playing, baby. You know I don’t go down like that! Shiz! That’s gay as hell!” This punchline exemplified the irreverent humor that SNL is known for, leaving the audience in stitches.

Martin Short hosted the episode, with Hozier serving as the musical guest, adding further entertainment value to the night’s lineup. The combination of live comedy and musical performance created a vibrant atmosphere that kept viewers engaged and entertained throughout the entire show.