5 Shocking Reasons Why Colin Jost’s SNL Exit Keeps Getting Delayed (And His Status For Season 51)

Contents

The question of whether Colin Jost is finally hanging up his "Weekend Update" tie is one of the longest-running mysteries in late-night television, and as of late 2025, the answer remains a fascinating "not yet." The co-anchor, who has been a fixture on Saturday Night Live for nearly two decades, continues to fuel speculation with high-profile external projects and a record-breaking tenure that seems impossible to walk away from. Despite persistent rumors, all signs point to the comedian returning for the show’s highly anticipated Season 51, a decision heavily influenced by his partner-in-crime, Michael Che, and the allure of extending his historic legacy.

The constant chatter about Jost’s departure—a topic that has followed him for nearly a decade—is less about a definitive exit and more about the natural evolution of a career that has spanned 19 years at the legendary NBC sketch comedy show. His continued presence at the "Weekend Update" desk is a testament to his longevity, but his growing film commitments suggest a major career pivot is inevitable, making every season finale a nerve-wracking event for SNL fans.

Colin Jost: Biography & The Record-Breaking Legacy

Colin Jost is not just a performer; he is a foundational pillar of modern Saturday Night Live, having served in nearly every major writing and on-air capacity. His biography is a study in comedic longevity and behind-the-scenes influence.

  • Full Name: Colin Kelly Jost
  • Born: June 29, 1982 (Age 43 as of late 2025)
  • Hometown: Staten Island, New York City, New York
  • Education: Harvard University (graduated 2004)
  • Spouse: Scarlett Johansson (m. 2020)
  • Children: Cosmo Jost (son)
  • Joined SNL: 2005 (as a staff writer)
  • Head Writer Tenure: 2012–2015 and 2017–2022 (Co-Head Writer)
  • "Weekend Update" Debut: March 1, 2014
  • Historical Record: Longest-serving "Weekend Update" anchor in SNL history (surpassed Seth Meyers' record on October 23, 2021).
  • External Projects: Author of A Very Punchable Face: A Memoir (2020), star/writer of the upcoming film Worst Man.

The Truth About His SNL Status for Season 51

Despite the annual flurry of rumors, the most recent and reliable information strongly indicates that Colin Jost will be returning for SNL Season 51, which is expected to premiere in the fall of 2025.

This confirmation, while not always official from NBC itself until the season premiere, has been supported by those closest to him. His wife, actress Scarlett Johansson, even provided a casual but definitive update in a 2025 interview, confirming that her husband was "going back to work" for the upcoming season. This news provides significant relief to fans who feared the end of the legendary "Weekend Update" partnership with Michael Che.

The bond with Michael Che is arguably the single greatest factor delaying Jost's exit. The two have often joked about their mutual dependence, with Che once stating that if Jost leaves, he will leave too. Their chemistry, which began in 2014, has become the longest-running "Weekend Update" co-anchor pairing in the segment's history, and the show's producers are keen to maintain that stability, especially heading into the post-50th-anniversary era.

The External Commitments Fueling Departure Rumors

The reason the "is Colin Jost leaving SNL" question resurfaces every year is due to his rapidly expanding portfolio of external, non-SNL projects. For an anchor who has already broken the longevity record, these outside commitments signal a clear desire to move into the next phase of his career, a path previously taken by SNL alumni like Seth Meyers and Tina Fey.

1. The Universal Wedding Comedy: Worst Man

Jost is set to star in the Universal Pictures wedding comedy film Worst Man, which he also co-wrote. The film will co-star fellow SNL alum Pete Davidson. This is a massive commitment that requires significant time away from the show's demanding weekly schedule. Taking a lead role in a major studio film is a classic sign of an SNL star transitioning to a film career, making fans wonder how he can balance this with his "Weekend Update" duties.

2. Peacock Comedy Special: New York After Dark

Adding to his busy schedule, Jost and Michael Che are collaborating on a live comedy special for Peacock, titled Colin Jost & Michael Che Present: New York After Dark. This project, set to air ahead of the show’s 50th season, shows their partnership extending beyond Studio 8H, but also demonstrates a potential testing ground for their post-SNL careers as a duo.

3. Continued Writing and Producing

Beyond acting, Jost has continued to write for other mediums, having been published multiple times in The New Yorker. His involvement in the behind-the-scenes legacy of SNL is also evident in his commentary and insights regarding the upcoming *Saturday Night* film (formerly *SNL 1975*), which chronicles the show's chaotic first broadcast. While he is not listed in a starring role, his continued connection to the show's history keeps him firmly in the orbit of the SNL universe.

Why The "Weekend Update" Longevity Record Is So Hard to Break

Colin Jost’s run is not just long; it's historic. He has been behind the desk for over 200 episodes, officially making him the longest-serving "Weekend Update" anchor. This unprecedented longevity creates an internal and external pressure that makes leaving a monumentally difficult decision.

  • The Seth Meyers Precedent: Jost initially took over from Seth Meyers, who had already set a high bar for the segment. By breaking Meyers' record, Jost cemented his place in SNL lore. Leaving now would mean relinquishing the chance to extend a record that may never be broken again.
  • The Michael Che Factor: The "Jost and Che" era is a cultural phenomenon. Their joke-swap segment and contrasting comedic styles have defined a generation of the segment. The duo has become an inseparable entity, and neither seems eager to be the first one to walk away and officially break up the act.
  • Stability for SNL: As the show enters its 51st season, the cast is constantly in flux. Having the stability of a veteran like Jost at the "Weekend Update" desk provides a crucial anchor for the entire show, a fact that Lorne Michaels undoubtedly values.

In summary, while Colin Jost has all the external projects and personal reasons (a growing family and a successful writing career) to finally step away, his status for Season 51 appears secure. The gravitational pull of his record-breaking legacy and the beloved partnership with Michael Che continues to keep him tied to Studio 8H, ensuring that the "is Colin Jost leaving" rumor will likely resurface until the day he officially makes his final sign-off.

is colin jost leaving snl
is colin jost leaving snl

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