Amid many cast departures and speculation on future changes, longtime Saturday Night Live cast member Colin Jost will return for season 51, confirmed by Scarlett Johansson during the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. The Marvel star, promoting her directorial debut Eleanor the Great, revealed her husband’s continued presence on the show, reassuring fans of stability in the midst of SNL’s evolving lineup.
Johansson remarked to Entertainment Weekly, “He’s going back to work.” However, she remained uncertain whether she herself would return for another playful exchange on the renowned Weekend Update segment alongside Jost and co-anchor Michael Che, as those appearances usually come together at the last minute. She explained,
“I think that’s basically the MO over at 30 Rock is that everything is like moments before,”
continuing,
“It’s usually like Friday night before the Saturday show.”
The Longevity and Dynamic of the Weekend Update Desk
Colin Jost and Michael Che currently form the longest-serving duo to anchor Weekend Update, with Jost individually holding the record for the most time anchoring the segment after stepping in during the second half of season 39 in 2014. He succeeded Seth Meyers and initially co-anchored with Cecily Strong before Che took over at the start of season 40. While it remains unconfirmed whether Che will continue alongside Jost, departure of one without the other seems unlikely as representatives for SNL, Jost, and Che have yet to comment.
Jost is the fourth longest-tenured cast member in SNL’s 50-year history, following Kenan Thompson, Darrell Hammond, and Seth Meyers. Having joined the cast in 2013 after starting as a writer in 2005, this upcoming season will mark his twelfth as a cast member, solidifying his influential role in the show’s legacy.
Other Cast Changes and New Additions for Season 51
While Jost’s return is sure, several other established cast members will not be back when SNL returns on October 4. Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, and Emil Wakim confirmed their departures, along with writers such as Rosebud Baker who contributed to Weekend Update.
Meanwhile, the show has brought fresh talent in the form of five new cast members: Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, Veronika Slowikowska, and Ben Marshall from the comedy group Please Don’t Destroy. These new contenders aim to bring fresh energy to the continuing evolution of the show’s ensemble.
Johansson’s Wish to See June Squibb Host SNL
Johansson also expressed enthusiasm about her film’s co-star, June Squibb, potentially hosting the show this season. When asked if she would support Squibb’s hosting, Johansson said, “Yes, 100 percent.” The actress, who stars in Johansson’s directorial debut as a 90-year-old woman starting anew, would shatter existing records as the oldest host if she accepts.
At 95 years old, Squibb would surpass the late Betty White, who held the record as the oldest SNL host at age 88 during her 2010 appearance. Squibb herself is excited about the prospect, stating,
“Oh yes, of course. I love that show. I watch it all the time,”
and revealing her background in comedy,
“It was a little comedy thing,”
referring to her decade-long cabaret act in New York.
Background on Johansson and Jost’s Relationship and Current Projects
Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost first crossed paths in 2006 when she hosted SNL while he was a writer, though their romantic relationship did not begin until 2017. The couple became engaged in May 2019 and tied the knot the following year. They share one son together, and Johansson has another child from her previous marriage to Romain Dauriac.
Johansson has hosted SNL seven times herself, including the season 50 finale in May, demonstrating her strong connection to the show beyond her husband’s role. Her current focus includes the release of Eleanor the Great, which opens in theaters on September 26. The film tells the story of a 90-year-old woman rebuilding her life after losing her best friend.
Looking Ahead to the New Season Launch
Season 51 of Saturday Night Live will premiere on Saturday, October 4, airing at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock. With Jost confirmed to return, the show is poised to maintain consistency at the Weekend Update desk even as it welcomes new cast members and navigates fresh departures, continuing its 50-year tradition as a leading comedy institution.
