TL;DR
Michael Che and Colin Jost engage in a biannual tradition of delivering intentionally offensive jokes during ‘Weekend Update’ to entertain and challenge each other. This practice highlights their friendship and the use of shock humor, though it raises questions about taste and boundaries.
Michael Che and Colin Jost performed their controversial, shock-value joke swap during a recent episode of Saturday Night Live’s “Weekend Update,” revealing a longstanding tradition of intentionally offensive humor that underscores their close friendship and shared comedic approach.
During the episode aired on May 17, 2026, Che delivered a joke claiming that Michael Jackson did nothing wrong and that he was molested by Jackson, a line that drew immediate shock from viewers. The joke was part of a recurring tradition where Che and Jost write material for each other to deliver without prior knowledge, aiming to provoke laughter through discomfort and taboo subjects. Che explained in an interview that this practice originated from attempts to salvage jokes that bombed during rehearsals, turning their cringeworthy content into a shared comedic game. Over time, this has evolved into a biannual event, with highlights including Jost calling Kendrick Lamar “the biggest bitch of them all” and Che making a provocative joke about Jost’s wife, Scarlett Johansson. The core of this tradition is the performers’ delivery, which amplifies the shock value and transforms the discomfort into humor. Che emphasized that the secret is giving the audience permission to laugh at what they know is wrong, framing the jokes as a playful challenge between friends.
Why It Matters
This tradition exemplifies a form of comedy rooted in friendship, trust, and shared understanding of boundaries. While the jokes often generate controversy and raise questions about taste, they also demonstrate how humor can be used to explore discomfort and push social limits. The practice highlights the importance of context and delivery in making provocative material acceptable, and it reflects the camaraderie between Che and Jost, which has sustained this tradition over many years.
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Background
The joke swap tradition began as a response to failed material during dress rehearsals, with Che and Jost intentionally crafting offensive jokes to see how they could shock and amuse each other. This practice has grown into a biannual event, becoming a notable feature of their tenure on “Weekend Update.” It differs from the more confrontational style of recent comedy roasts, such as Netflix’s Kevin Hart roast, which often involve aggressive exchanges. Che and Jost’s jokes are based on mutual respect and understanding that the shock is part of their comedic dynamic, with the humor derived from their delivery and the audience’s awareness of their friendship.
“You give the audience permission to laugh at what they know is wrong, and that’s how these jokes work.”
— Michael Che
“Man, you are the greatest comedian of all time. I love you.”
— Michael Che
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What Remains Unclear
It remains uncertain how the broader audience perceives this tradition over time, and whether there are limits to what Che and Jost are willing to say or do. Additionally, the long-term impact on their reputations and the potential for backlash are ongoing considerations.
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What’s Next
Next, Che and Jost are expected to continue their biannual joke swap tradition, potentially exploring further boundaries or reflecting on their experiences. Public and critical reactions may influence whether this practice continues or evolves.
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Key Questions
Why do Che and Jost perform these offensive jokes?
Their goal is to entertain and challenge each other, using shock humor to explore discomfort and demonstrate their friendship through mutual trust and understanding.
Are these jokes meant to reflect their personal beliefs?
No, Che and Jost have stated that the jokes are satirical and part of a comedic tradition; they do not endorse the offensive content on a personal level.
Has this tradition caused any controversy?
While the jokes often provoke criticism and debate, Che and Jost defend the practice as a form of artistic expression rooted in their friendship and the context of comedy.
Will this tradition continue in future episodes?
It is anticipated that the tradition will persist, though the scope and content may adapt based on audience feedback and evolving standards of comedy.
