It was a typical evening at “Saturday Night Live,” known for its sharp wit and occasionally jaw-dropping humor, when Colin Jost decided to take things up a notch with a joke about his marriage to Scarlett Johansson. During the infamous joke swap segment on Weekend Update, Jost, with his characteristic dry delivery, read a line that would soon cause quite the stir: “Costco has removed the roast beef sandwich from its menu. But I ain’t trippin’. I’ve been eating roast beef every night since my wife had the kid.”
The audience reacted with a mix of laughter and gasps, a common response for viewers accustomed to SNL’s boundary-pushing antics. Johansson, however, was backstage and visibly shaken, her reaction indicating that even A-list stars can be caught off guard by the show’s brutal humor.
SNL’s Legacy of Controversy and Comedy
“Saturday Night Live” has been a cornerstone of American television for nearly five decades, offering a blend of political satire, celebrity impersonations, and live performances that frequently skirt the edge of controversy. From Chevy Chase’s early days as the Weekend Update anchor to more recent sketches by Pete Davidson, the show has never shied away from sensitive topics.
Colin Jost, alongside his co-anchor Michael Che, continues this tradition, bringing a mix of awkward charm and daring humor to the Weekend Update desk. Jost’s roast beef joke, while shocking to some, fits well within the historical context of SNL’s comedic philosophy, which thrives on testing the limits of what’s acceptable in mainstream comedy.
Reactions and Repercussions
Scarlett Johansson, in a candid interview with InStyle, expressed her disbelief at the joke’s explicit nature: “I just can’t believe they went there. It was like, old-school gross.” Her reaction highlights the personal impact such jokes can have, even on those who are no strangers to the spotlight.
This is not the first time SNL has faced backlash for its content. Over the years, numerous sketches have sparked controversy, leading to public apologies and even bans. Martin Lawrence’s infamous monologue on feminine hygiene, Norm Macdonald’s relentless O.J. Simpson jokes, and Sinead O’Connor’s protest against the Pope are just a few examples of moments that pushed the envelope too far for some viewers.
The Cultural Impact of SNL’s Humor
Despite the controversies, SNL’s influence on popular culture remains undeniable. The show has served as a launching pad for many of America’s favorite comedians and continues to be a staple of late-night television. Its willingness to address controversial topics and challenge societal norms has made it a significant player in the dialogue about comedy’s role in culture and politics.
As for Colin Jost, the aftermath of his joke may require some careful navigation at home. With a history of SNL cast members and hosts using the stage to settle scores or make personal revelations, Johansson might just have her moment to craft a response that could send ripples of laughter—or shock—through the audience once again.
In the world of “Saturday Night Live,” where comedy meets controversy, it seems that no topic is off-limits, and no one is safe from becoming the punchline—not even if you’re married to the comedian delivering the joke.