SNL's Halloween Jab: Colin Jost's Dark Humor Shakes Weekend Update
SNL’s Weekend Update turned edgy with Colin Jost's controversial joke on Trump's Halloween clip, sparking mixed reactions from fans.
The Perfect Soundtrack?
Saturday Night Live never shies away from controversy, but this weekend Colin Jost took it to another level. While airing a clip of Donald Trump’s Halloween video, which featured Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Jost likened it to the “perfect soundtrack to lure kids to a famous mansion.” The edgy joke played on allegations surrounding both the former pop legend and Trump, linking it with the infamous Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
Audience Reactions: A Mix of Laughter and Discomfort
Inside Studio 8H, the audience reaction was a rollercoaster. Jost’s joke elicited a blend of laughter, groans, and shocked gasps, illustrating the split opinions on such provocative humor. His co-anchor Michael Che added fuel to the fire with additional jabs at Trump, including a quip about renovations to the White House bathroom amid a government shutdown. Che, never one to hold back, even ventured into jokes about the New York City mayoral race and the infamous “9/11” meme.
SNL’s Legacy of Political Satire
Saturday Night Live has built its reputation on the tightrope of satire and outrage. Its Weekend Update segment has been an arsenal of political critique since the show’s inception. From portrayals of Gerald Ford’s clumsiness to Alec Baldwin’s Trump impersonation, the show’s humor has consistently tested boundaries.
Under the comedic partnership of Colin Jost and Michael Che, the Update desk has found a balance of political commentary and provocative punchlines. The duo’s chemistry thrives on such boundaries, making them a distinctive force in modern satire.
A Touch of Levity: Bowen Yang’s Return
The tension lightened briefly during a sketch featuring Bowen Yang as former Congressman George Santos. Returning after a fictionalizing commutation by Trump, Santos claimed his experience had transformed him, promising honesty from then on. The absurdity crescendoed when Santos declared he was Black—another display of outlandish humor that marks the essence of SNL’s character work.
The Debate Continues
The Weekend Update’s foray into dark humor left the audience in discussions, blurring lines between satire and sensitivity. Social media buzzed with debates over SNL’s approach—ingenious political critique or an unnecessary low blow? As stated in The Times of India, SNL continues to push comedic boundaries, keeping audiences questioning the fine line between humor and controversy.
