Michael Che’s One-Sided SNL Joke Swap Stuns Colin Jost in 2025 Christmas Episode

The SNL Joke Swap shocked viewers on Saturday night. Michael Che hit Colin Jost with a surprise one-sided ambush. It happened during the 2025 Christmas episode in New York. The segment aired live on NBC during Weekend Update. The crowd reacted with loud gasps and laughter.

The moment mattered because the Joke Swap is a key SNL tradition. Fans wait for it every year. But this time, only Che had jokes prepared. Jost had none. According to Reuters and Variety, the surprise twist created one of the most intense swaps in years.

How the SNL Joke Swap Ambush Played Out

Che told Jost there would be no swap this year. Jost relaxed. Then Che handed him the first joke card. Jost froze for a moment. The audience sensed trouble.

Jost read a joke about a major church abuse settlement. The room reacted fast. Some laughed. Some gasped. Che smiled wide. The tension rose.

The next joke was tougher. It pushed Jost into a line about menopause and his wife, Scarlett Johansson. A photo of Johansson appeared behind him. Jost winced. The audience roared. Che laughed harder as Jost tried to stay calm. According to AP, Jost’s discomfort became part of the humor.

The ambush kept going. Each joke hit harder than the last. A joke tied to “Hump Day” and a Wednesday Addams photo forced Jost into another awkward moment. The crowd loved the chaos. Che kept urging him on. Jost pushed through each line with a strained smile.

Why the 2025 Joke Swap Hit Different

The Joke Swap began in 2015. It became a fan favorite. Both anchors usually write wild jokes for each other. Both suffer equally. That balance makes it fun.

This year was different. Che planned a one-sided attack. Jost had no jokes for Che. Only Che had control. The shift raised the stakes. It made the segment feel sharp and risky. BBC noted that the energy in the studio changed as the crowd realized Jost was alone.

Scarlett Johansson has often appeared in past punchlines. Her name returned again this year. The menopause joke pushed the edge. Fans online reacted quickly. Many said Jost handled it well. Others said Che went “savage.” But most viewers praised the live tension. SNL thrives on moments like this.

The bit also showed the trust between the two anchors. Jost read every line. Che never softened the blows. The audience felt the real reaction of both men. That honesty keeps the tradition alive.

The Lasting Impact on SNL and Fans

Live comedy depends on surprise. The 2025 Joke Swap proved that. It showed why the show still works after decades. Viewers want real reactions, not safe ones.

For SNL fans, the ambush became a highlight of the season. It sparked big discussion online. It reminded people why Weekend Update remains central to the show. It also set the stage for future swaps. Many expect Jost to strike back next time.

The SNL Joke Swap remains a major comedy moment each year. The 2025 ambush by Che made the SNL Joke Swap even bigger. Fans now wait to see how Jost responds in the next round.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the SNL Joke Swap?

It is a segment where Colin Jost and Michael Che read jokes written for each other. They see the jokes for the first time live. The reactions are real and often very funny.

Q2: Why was the 2025 Joke Swap unique?

Only Michael Che had jokes prepared. Colin Jost had none. This shifted all pressure to Jost.

Q3: Did Scarlett Johansson appear in the jokes?

Yes. A joke about menopause referenced her. The audience reacted strongly to it.

Q4: How did fans react to the ambush?

Fans shared clips and comments online. Many praised the raw tension and humor. Some called it the best swap in years.

Q5: Will the Joke Swap continue next year?

SNL has not confirmed anything. But the tradition is popular. Fans expect it to return.