SNL Weekend Update delivered sharp political commentary and hilarious personal jabs during last night’s Christmas episode on December 20, 2025. Colin Jost roasted RFK Jr.‘s appearance while defending his traditional jokes about his wife Scarlett Johansson. Michael Che returned with one of the show’s most beloved traditions—the annual Christmas Joke Swap—but this year’s twist caught Jost completely off guard.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Episode Date: December 20, 2025 (aired as year-end Christmas special)
- RFK Jr. Joke: Jost compared Health Secretary to Wilson the volleyball, referencing his appearance
- Joke Swap Twist: Only Michael Che wrote jokes this year, surprising Colin Jost mid-show
- Featured Target: Scarlett Johansson jokes dominate the punchline list, continuing SNL tradition
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SNL Weekend Update opened with Colin Jost and Michael Che targeting the Trump administration‘s heavily redacted Epstein files. Jost joked about the extensive blackouts, saying the Justice Department seems to have “kept running out of black ink.” The RFK Jr. jokes came next, with Jost delivering a sharp observation about the Health and Human Services Secretary‘s appearance.
Jost stated, “RFK is allowed to slowly transition into Wilson the volleyball.” The reference played on Kennedy‘s distinctive look while pointing out the apparent contradiction of federal policy on gender-affirming care. The joke landed with the studio audience, emphasizing how Weekend Update continues to tackle controversial figures through comedy without hesitation.
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The year-end joke swap segment—a beloved SNL tradition featuring Jost and Che—took an unexpected turn when Michael Che revealed he’d secretly written jokes without telling his Weekend Update co-host. Jost responded with visible surprise, saying Che had claimed they agreed not to do the swap this year. “You specifically said we were not doing it this year,” Jost protested on air.
This premise set up a segment where Jost alone was forced to read Che’s offensive material, creating hilarity and tension. The format became purely one-sided comedy, with Jost bearing the burden of delivering provocative punchlines while Che watched from the anchor desk, laughing at his co-host’s expense.
Scarlett Johansson Returns as Primary Punchline Target
Scarlett Johansson jokes dominated the joke swap segment, continuing a multi-year SNL tradition where Jost’s wife becomes material for Che’s comedy. The first Johansson joke referenced recent research about menopause affecting women’s workforce participation, with Jost reading, “My girl already be like, ‘Colin, I’m warm. Colin, I’m sweating.” The punchline was crude but generated massive laughs from the studio audience.
Scarlett Johansson has become somewhat of a running gag across SNL Weekend Update jokes for years, appearing in previous Christmas episodes and season finales. Last year, she was even in the studio when Che delivered similarly offensive jokes, reacting with visible shock. This year’s version built on that established dynamic while maintaining the playful rivalry between the two Weekend Update anchors.
| Joke Swap Element | Details |
| Writer/Performer | Michael Che wrote all jokes; Colin Jost performed them |
| Target Focus | Scarlett Johansson, menopause, age gap humor |
| Surprise Factor | Jost unaware this year’s swap was happening |
| Tradition Status | Annual event during Christmas and season finales |
Why the Christmas Episode Matters to SNL Comedy Fans
The Christmas episode remains one of Saturday Night Live’s most anticipated broadcasts each year because these special editions include the annual joke swap between Jost and Che. The tradition has evolved from mutual exchanges to one-sided surprises, with the show’s writers crafting increasingly offensive material designed to make the anchors squirm while performing live television.
SNL fans viewed this year’s holiday edition as must-watch content precisely because of the Johansson jokes and the RFK Jr. commentary. The combination of political humor about the Epstein files and personal comedy about Jost’s marriage kept Weekend Update sharp and unpredictable. This approach maintains SNL’s reputation for bold, sometimes controversial comedy that pushes network boundaries.
Watch the Full Christmas Episode:
The complete Weekend Update: Christmas Joke Swap 2025 segment is available on the official Saturday Night Live YouTube channel.
Sources
- Rolling Stone – SNL Weekend Update coverage of RFK Jr. jokes and Epstein files commentary
- USA Today – Colin Jost and Michael Che Christmas joke swap details
- Saturday Night Live Official YouTube – Weekend Update Christmas Joke Swap 2025 video
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.