Colin Jost on SNL and Behind the Scenes of Weekend Update

TL;DR

Colin Jost reveals the origins of the Weekend Update joke swap bit and shares backstage stories about Will Ferrell and Paul McCartney.

Key Points

• 1.Colin Jost still performs standup despite fatherhood. He does roughly 50 shows a year and advises beginners to 'get ready to suck,' noting rhythm and timing take time to develop.
• 2.Jost feared bombing on Weekend Update would cost him both jobs. Having just become head writer, he drank bourbon to calm nerves before his first on-camera appearance, worried he'd lose his writing role too.
• 3.Will Ferrell's genius lies in genuine fun and surprise. Ferrell would sneak into the writers' room disguised as an LA writer, give vague notes, and place elaborate lunch orders — fully committing to the bit all day.
• 4.The joke swap bit originated from censored material and grew by accident. Jost and Michael Che initially used it to revive jokes cut by censors; Jost then suggested not telling each other in advance, which he admits he regrets.
• 5.Paul McCartney personally charmed Jost's parents after they missed his rehearsal. McCartney sensed the situation, introduced himself as 'I'm Paul,' and spent five minutes talking to them — making it better than if they'd seen him play.