Colin Jost Takes Savage Jabs at Scarlett Johansson in SNL’s Brutal Joke Swap—Her Priceless Reaction!
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Colin Jost, the Saturday Night Live writer and performer, has long used his personal life for comedic fodder, and his marriage to actress Scarlett Johansson is no exception. The couple, who tied the knot in October 2020 after reconnecting during an SNL episode in 2017, welcomed their son Cosmo in August 2021. Their relationship, though generally private, has often been a subject of Jost’s humor, particularly during the iconic Weekend Update segments.
The December 2024 SNL episode marked another instance of Jost bringing their marriage into the comedy spotlight, with his annual “joke swap” with co-host Michael Che. This long-standing tradition has Jost and Che writing jokes for each other, with no prior knowledge of what the other will say. The segment is known for its awkward, and sometimes controversial, nature, and this year’s edition was no different—especially with Johansson in the audience, her reactions adding an extra layer of hilarity and tension.
Jokes About Married Life and Parenthood
Jost’s remarks during the December 21, 2024, Weekend Update segment sparked significant attention, particularly his comments about Johansson and their son. As noted by People.com and HuffPost, Jost joked, “Hey boo, y’all know Scarlett just celebrated her 40th birthday, which means I’m about to get up out of there! Nah, nah. I’m just playing. We just had a kid together, and y’all ain’t see no pictures of him yet ’cause he Black as hell.” The joke, which humorously tied to Johansson’s birthday and their son’s appearance, left some viewers puzzled, as Cosmo, born in 2021, was already three years old at the time of the joke. However, this inconsistency may have been a comedic exaggeration, a common tactic used during the Weekend Update segment.
Jost also made a risqué comment about their life post-childbirth: “Costco has removed their roast beef sandwich from their menu, but I ain’t tripping. I be eating roast beef every night since my wife had the kid.” This remark, drawing attention to their sex life after having a child, was considered particularly shocking by many, and Johansson’s live reactions captured the discomfort of the moment.
Scarlett Johansson’s Reactions
Johansson’s reactions to the jokes were captured on live television, making for an especially memorable moment. When Jost made the birthday and son joke, Johansson appeared confused but amused, shaking her head. However, her reaction to the roast beef joke was more visceral. She was seen mouthing “Oh my God,” taking a sip of water, and clearly reacting to the explicit nature of the comment. In a later interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show in July 2024, Johansson described the joke swap as “brutal,” admitting, “I feel like every year it gets worse. It’s just terrible. It’s painful…I actually don’t remember that segment,” indicating that these public humor exchanges are not without their emotional toll.
Past Jokes and Humor Context
This is not the first time Jost has made jokes about Johansson. In May 2023, during the season 49 finale, he referenced her role in Her by making a quip about ChatGPT, which was tied to a public dispute with OpenAI. Jost’s comment, “Which I’ve never bothered to watch, because without that body, what’s the point of listening,” was more focused on her work in Her than their marriage, but it still used Johansson’s fame for comedic effect.
Additionally, Jost made a light-hearted reference to Johansson’s celebrity status at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in April 2024, though the details of the joke were less significant in the context of their marriage.
Public Perception and Impact of Jokes
The explicit nature of Jost’s jokes, particularly the roast beef remark, drew criticism, with Johansson herself describing them as “vulgar” and “gross” in a The Independent article from March 2025. This aligns with the purpose of the Weekend Update segment, which often pushes boundaries, sometimes at the expense of personal relationships. The presence of Johansson, as well as the live reactions caught on camera, added an uncomfortable yet comedic element to the segment, making it memorable for both viewers and media outlets.
In the end, Jost’s jokes about his marriage to Scarlett Johansson reflect a unique blend of humor and intimacy, showing how personal life can be turned into comedy while also revealing the complexities of balancing public humor with private relationships. Despite the discomfort it may cause, the annual joke swap remains a fan-favorite segment, ensuring that Jost and Johansson’s relationship will continue to be fodder for SNL comedy.
