If you’ve watched a single episode of Saturday Night Live in the last decade, you’ve seen him. The guy with the side-swept hair who looks like he just stepped out of a J.Crew catalog and is perpetually about to get roasted by Michael Che. That’s Colin Jost. People have been predicting his "imminent departure" since at least 2021, yet here we are in 2026, and he’s still the face of the most stable segment on the show.
Honestly, it's wild. Most cast members burn out after seven years. Jost has been in the building since 2005. That’s over 20 years. He started as a writer when he was just 22, fresh out of Harvard, and basically worked his way through every possible iteration of the SNL hierarchy.
The Weekend Update Record Nobody Saw Coming
When Colin Jost first sat down at the Weekend Update desk in March 2014, the reaction was… mixed. He replaced Seth Meyers, which is a tough act to follow. He was paired with Cecily Strong initially, then Michael Che joined him later that year. Critics at the time thought he was too "stiff" or "too Ivy League."
But then something shifted. He leaned into the "punchable face" persona—which, by the way, is the actual title of his 2020 memoir. He realized that the audience loved seeing him as the straight man who gets forced into saying the most horrific things during the annual "Joke Swap" episodes.
In October 2021, he officially broke Seth Meyers' record for the most appearances as a Weekend Update anchor. At this point, he isn't just an anchor; he’s the longest-running news parody host in the history of the show. That’s a massive legacy for someone who many viewers thought wouldn't last two seasons.
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Why the Rumors of Him Leaving Won't Die
Every year, the "Is Colin Jost leaving SNL?" cycle starts again. It hit a fever pitch in May 2025 during the Season 50 finale. His wife, Scarlett Johansson, was hosting. The stars seemed aligned for a graceful exit. Fans on Reddit were convinced. People were already naming Michael Longfellow or Rosebud Baker as the next in line.
But then the credits rolled, Jost handed ScarJo a bouquet of roses, and… nothing. No big goodbye. No tearful "Update" sign-off.
Why does he stay? Basically, because he’s good at it. And because the "Update" desk is the most flexible job in late night. Unlike the sketch performers who have to stay up until 5:00 AM every night doing costume fittings and rewrites for "The Californians," Jost is primarily focused on that one 12-to-15-minute block.
The Writing Genius Behind the Smirk
People forget that Jost isn't just a performer. He was a co-head writer for two different stints:
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- 2012 to 2015
- 2017 to 2022
Even though he stepped down from the head writer role to focus on his family and other projects—like hosting Pop Culture Jeopardy! and doing live stand-up—his DNA is all over the show’s political voice. He’s the guy who has survived multiple presidential administrations and cast turnovers. He’s been the constant.
It’s also about the chemistry. You can’t fake the relationship he has with Michael Che. They are actual friends. They buy each other weird gifts. They try to ruin each other's careers on live television twice a year. If Jost leaves, Che likely leaves too. Losing both at once would be the biggest shake-up for the show since the early 2000s.
Real Impact and Recent Highlights
Lately, Jost has been leaning into even darker humor. Just look at the late 2025 episodes. He was out there making jokes about Donald Trump’s White House bathroom remodels and controversial Halloween videos. He’s stopped trying to be the "nice guy" and started being the guy who smirks through the groans of the audience.
- Political Satire: He’s portrayed Pete Buttigieg and Roger Goodell.
- Hosting Gigs: He’s handled the Emmys, the White House Correspondents' Dinner, and even Olympic surfing coverage in Tahiti (which was weirdly perfect for him).
- Record Breaking: 200+ episodes at the desk.
What’s Actually Next for Colin Jost?
If you’re looking for a definitive "end date," you’re probably not going to get one. Jost has mentioned in interviews—and in his book—that the schedule is grueling once you have kids. He and Scarlett have a son, Cosmo, and he’s a stepfather to her daughter.
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But SNL is a hard habit to break.
The move to Amazon Prime for Pop Culture Jeopardy! shows he’s diversifying. He’s building a career that exists outside of Studio 8H. However, as long as Lorne Michaels is at the helm, Jost seems to be the "safety net." He’s the veteran who can anchor the show when the newer cast members are still finding their footing.
If you want to keep up with his career trajectory, the best thing to do is watch for the "Joke Swap" episodes. That’s usually where the most honest version of Jost comes out. Also, keep an eye on his stand-up tour dates for 2026; he often tests out his more "uncensored" material there before it ever hits the NBC censors.
For now, expect to see that "punchable face" behind the desk for at least another season. He’s become the institution he used to write for.