Saturday Night Live’s “Weekend Update” segment featured co-hosts Michael Che and Colin Jost delivering biting commentary on recent political and entertainment news, using their trademark satirical style to critique high-profile events.
Jost opened the segment with a comedic comparison between former President Donald Trump and Abraham Lincoln, suggesting a hypothetical conversation where Lincoln might offer advice about preserving national unity. His joke highlighted the ongoing political tensions in the United States.
Che’s portion of the segment focused on more serious topics, including Trump’s pardoning of January 6 rioters. Using a provocative analogy, Che criticized the pardons by comparing them to a controversial personal relationship, suggesting that Trump portrayed the attackers as passionate patriots.
The comedians also addressed a recent controversial moment involving Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Che’s commentary about Musk’s rally appearance, where Musk was criticized for a gesture reminiscent of a Nazi salute, demonstrated the segment’s approach of using dark humor to explore sensitive social issues.
Additional cast members contributed to the comedy, including Ego Nwodim’s character Giselle, who humorously warned about potential trade war impacts on hair extensions. Another bit featuring Andrew Dismukes and a puppet added to the segment’s diverse comedic approach.
The update concluded with a satirical take on entertainment news, with Che mocking the Oscar nominations and poking fun at the limited audience for the film “Emilia Pérez.”
SNL’s “Weekend Update” continues to provide a platform for comedy that blends political commentary with sharp social observations, offering viewers a humorous lens through which to examine current events.
Weekend Update with Colin Jost and Michael Che! pic.twitter.com/oLlBUmF42L
— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) January 26, 2025
Giselle, a concerned businesswoman, shares a message for Black women in Trump’s America pic.twitter.com/St1RtQd4dI
— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) January 26, 2025
Andrew Dismukes and his puppet dad present a comedy routine about family pic.twitter.com/gbYBKA58T0
— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) January 26, 2025
