Weekend Update
Weekend Update is a satirical news segment featured weekly on the NBC late-night sketch comedy program Saturday Night Live (SNL), debuting during the show's premiere episode on October 11, 1975.[1] The format parodies television news anchors delivering humorous, often irreverent commentary on current events, politics, and pop culture through scripted jokes, correspondent reports, and guest appearances.[1] Created by original anchor Chevy Chase and writer Herb Sargent, Weekend Update has been anchored by a succession of SNL cast members, beginning with Chase in season 1, followed by Jane Curtin as the first solo female anchor from 1976 to 1980, Dennis Miller from 1985 to 1991, Norm Macdonald from 1994 to 1998, Tina Fey from 2000 to 2004, and the current duo of Colin Jost and Michael Che since 2014.[1] As SNL's longest-running recurring sketch, appearing in nearly every episode across five decades, it has shaped the landscape of comedic political satire on television.[2] The segment's defining characteristics include its deadpan delivery, topical edge, and willingness to tackle controversies, which has led to both acclaim for pioneering irreverent news parody and backlash over specific jokes, such as Macdonald's persistent coverage of the O.J. Simpson trial that contributed to his 1998 dismissal.[3] Weekend Update's influence extends to inspiring formats like The Daily Show and other mock-news programs, embedding satirical journalism into mainstream entertainment while reflecting SNL's evolution amid criticisms of uneven political humor in later seasons.[4]Origins and Format
Launch and Initial Concept
Weekend Update debuted midway through the premiere episode of Saturday Night Live on October 11, 1975, marking the introduction of a regular satirical news segment to the program's format.[1] Anchored by cast member Chevy Chase, the sketch parodied traditional evening newscasts with a focus on topical humor drawn from current events, reflecting the post-Watergate era's demand for irreverent commentary among younger viewers.[5] The name derived from its positioning as a humorous weekly counterpart to NBC's existing monthly news magazine Weekend.[6] The initial concept, co-developed by Chase and writers Herb Sargent and Al Franken, emphasized deadpan delivery of absurd headlines interspersed with visual gags, such as Chase's recurring pratfall of falling backward from his chair to underscore comedic mishaps in reporting.[7] This format established Weekend Update as a standalone fixture, typically lasting 7-10 minutes per episode, and quickly became one of SNL's most enduring elements due to its sharp political and cultural satire.[5] Unlike preceding sketches, it adopted a news desk setup with on-screen graphics mimicking broadcast television, setting a template for mock journalism that influenced later late-night programs.[6] Producer Lorne Michaels initially envisioned hosting the segment himself but yielded to Chase, whose performance in early rehearsals solidified its role as a vehicle for cast-driven improvisation within a structured news parody.[8] The launch aligned with SNL's broader aim to blend live sketch comedy with timely relevance, positioning Weekend Update as the show's primary outlet for unfiltered takes on headlines without reliance on guest monologues.[1]Core Structure and Style
Weekend Update features one or two anchors positioned at a news desk, where they deliver a sequence of satirical headlines inspired by current events and popular culture, each punctuated by a punchline or wry observation designed to elicit laughter through exaggeration or irony.[9] This desk-based format parodies the solemnity of evening news programs, with anchors adopting a composed, professional demeanor to underscore the humor's absurdity, often incorporating catchphrases or sign-off lines such as variations on "That's the news" for comedic closure.[9] The segment generally runs 10 to 12 minutes, positioned approximately midway through Saturday Night Live episodes to intersperse the live sketches and musical performances.[10] Beyond headline delivery, the structure integrates correspondent segments, in which cast members portray reporters or characters offering extended field-style reports, impersonations, or editorial commentary tied to topical stories, adding layers of narrative satire and visual gags.[9] Anchors may engage in banter or collaborative reads, heightening interplay—such as one anchor editorializing spontaneously based on audience response—while occasional props, graphics, or breaking news inserts mimic real-time broadcast urgency.[10] This blend prioritizes rapid, topical wit over scripted sketches, with jokes crafted weekly to reflect unfolding events, fostering a style that critiques media conventions through irreverence and timeliness.[10] The stylistic emphasis on deadpan delivery and punchy one-liners distinguishes Weekend Update from broader SNL content, enabling pointed political and cultural commentary while maintaining an illusion of journalistic impartiality for ironic effect.[9] Guest appearances or recurring bits occasionally disrupt the anchor-led flow, but the core remains anchored—literally and figuratively—in headline-driven monologue interspersed with supportive segments, ensuring consistency across decades despite anchor rotations.[9]Evolution of Features and Correspondents
Weekend Update originated on October 11, 1975, with Chevy Chase as its inaugural anchor, establishing a satirical news format that parodied evening broadcasts through deadpan delivery and topical jokes, including early appearances by correspondents like Emily Litella, portrayed by Gilda Radner in misheard editorial segments starting November 15, 1975.[9] Chase's tenure ended mid-season 2 on January 29, 1977, after which Jane Curtin anchored solo from 1976 to 1978, introducing the recurring Point/Counterpoint debate feature with co-anchor Dan Aykroyd in seasons 3-4 (1977-1979), a send-up of the CBS 60 Minutes segment featuring opposing viewpoints on issues like Soviet policy.[1] Curtin continued co-anchoring with Bill Murray from 1978 to 1980, maintaining character-driven interruptions such as Litella's "Never mind" corrections, which became a hallmark of the era's blend of scripted news and improvisational comedy.[9] The segment faced instability in seasons 6-10 (1980-1985), with short-lived anchors like Charles Rocket and Gail Matthius in 1980-1981, followed by a hiatus where it was rebranded as SNL Newsbreak and Saturday Night News, featuring rotating correspondents such as Brian Doyle-Murray and Brad Hall but lacking consistent structure amid cast turnover and format experiments.[1] Revival occurred in season 11 (1985) under solo anchor Dennis Miller, who held the desk through season 16 (1991) with a high-velocity style emphasizing cultural and political satire, restoring the name Weekend Update and prioritizing punchline density over recurring characters.[9] Miller's era focused on solo delivery with minimal correspondents, setting a template for future anchors like Kevin Nealon (seasons 17-19, 1991-1994), who incorporated subliminal message gags via the Mr. Subliminal character and other bits like Cajun Man.[1] Norm Macdonald anchored seasons 20-23 (1994-1998), known for laconic pacing and unfiltered jokes on events like the O.J. Simpson trial, which contributed to his mid-season 23 dismissal on February 8, 1998, after which Colin Quinn took over through season 26 (2000), emphasizing streetwise commentary but facing criticism for uneven writing.[9] The duo-anchor model emerged in season 26 with Jimmy Fallon and Tina Fey (2000-2004), introducing interactive elements like audience applause meters and the Update Door for impersonated celebrity walk-ons, enhancing visual parody.[1] Fey paired with Amy Poehler from 2004-2006 as the first all-female team, followed by Poehler and Seth Meyers (2006-2008) debuting the "Really!?! with Seth and Amy" reaction segment to viral news clips.[1] Seth Meyers anchored solo from seasons 34-39 (2008-2014), the longest such run until 2021, with brief co-anchoring by Cecily Strong in 2013-2014 featuring her character Cathy Anne as a street correspondent.[1] Since season 40 (2014), Colin Jost and Michael Che have co-anchored, with Che as the first Black anchor starting January 29, 2022 (though paired earlier), evolving features to include mandatory "joke swaps" where anchors trade politically sensitive punchlines to balance perspectives, alongside field reporters like Bill Hader's Stefon Meyers (2008-2012) for club news satire.[1] This era prioritizes rapid topicality, with over 1,000 episodes incorporating digital-era elements like social media parodies, while retaining core correspondent-driven humor amid ongoing debates over censorship and bias in joke selection.[9]Historical Periods
Early Period (1975–1981)
Weekend Update debuted on the premiere episode of Saturday Night Live on October 11, 1975, anchored by Chevy Chase as a satirical news segment parodying current events and broadcast journalism.[1] The format featured a news desk with Chase delivering headlines in a deadpan style, often incorporating physical comedy such as falling backward out of his chair to punctuate jokes, which became a signature gag.[5] Created by Chase in collaboration with writer Herb Sargent, the segment positioned itself as a humorous supplement to NBC's Weekend news program, emphasizing irreverent commentary on politics, celebrities, and cultural absurdities.[1] Chase anchored solo through the first season (1975–1976), delivering approximately 23 episodes and helping establish Weekend Update as a cornerstone of the show, with his detached sarcasm drawing comparisons to real news anchors like Walter Cronkite while subverting their gravitas.[1] His tenure contributed to the segment's early popularity, as it provided a consistent structure amid the show's chaotic sketches, though Chase departed at the end of the season to pursue film opportunities, including Foul Play in 1978.[11] Jane Curtin assumed the anchor role starting in season 2 (1976–1977), maintaining a solo format initially and bringing a sharper, more pointed wit to critiques of social issues and government policies.[1] In season 3 (1977–1978), Curtin co-anchored with Dan Aykroyd for select episodes, where Aykroyd incorporated impressions of figures like Jimmy Carter to enhance satirical depth. This pairing shifted toward more ensemble elements, with Aykroyd's versatility adding layers of impersonation to the desk banter. Bill Murray joined as co-anchor in seasons 4 and 5 (1978–1980), replacing Aykroyd and infusing the segment with improvisational energy and interpersonal chemistry with Curtin, often riffing on topical absurdities like the Iran hostage crisis or celebrity scandals.[1] Murray's 40 episodes highlighted a dynamic tension that amplified the humor, though internal cast conflicts, including a notable backstage altercation with Chase, underscored the era's volatile creative environment.[12] Season 6 (1980–1981) marked a transition under new producer Jean Doumanian, with Charles Rocket anchoring alongside Gail Matthius, rebranded occasionally as Saturday Night Newsline to refresh the format amid declining ratings.[13] Rocket's tenure, spanning about 20 episodes, attempted edgier humor but faltered with inconsistent writing and production instability, culminating in his live use of profanity on February 21, 1981—"good night and fuck you"—which violated broadcast standards and precipitated his dismissal shortly thereafter.[14] This incident reflected broader challenges in sustaining the segment's original bite during a period of cast turnover and network scrutiny.[1]Transitional Variants (1981–1985)
Following the departure of original executive producer Lorne Michaels and much of the inaugural cast after the 1980–1981 season, Dick Ebersol assumed control of Saturday Night Live and implemented significant format alterations to the news segment, rebranding it as "SNL NewsBreak" starting in the fall of 1981 to distance it from its predecessors and align with a revamped, more polished production style emphasizing celebrity guests and musical performances.[15][16] The segment debuted under this name on October 3, 1981, anchored by Brian Doyle-Murray alongside Mary Gross for initial episodes on October 3, 17, and December 5; Doyle-Murray then hosted solo from October 31, 1981, through February 6, 1982, delivering satirical commentary on current events with recurring bits like book reviews and sports segments, though ratings challenges and cast turnover contributed to inconsistent tone and viewer reception.[17][18] Occasional co-anchors or guests, such as Christine Ebersole, appeared sporadically, reflecting Ebersol's experimental approach amid broader show instability, including a writers' strike that shortened the prior season.[17] In 1982, the segment underwent another rebranding to "Saturday Night News," reverting to a single-anchor format with Brad Hall assuming primary duties for the 1982–1983 season, focusing on deadpan delivery of headlines interspersed with cast contributions like Joe Piscopo's sports updates.[18][19] Subsequent seasons saw further rotation, with Billy Crystal anchoring select episodes in 1984 and Christopher Guest taking over as lead by late 1984, such as on December 15, incorporating mock film reviews and guest spots to inject variety, though the frequent anchor shifts—driven by cast graduations and Ebersol's emphasis on star power over ensemble continuity—highlighted the era's transitional flux.[19][20] These variants persisted through the 1984–1985 season, during which Ebersol prioritized broader show recovery over segment stability, resulting in diluted satirical edge compared to earlier iterations; the period ended with Michaels' return in 1985, restoring the "Weekend Update" name and introducing Dennis Miller as anchor for a revival aligned with original comedic roots.[1][16]Revival and Modern Era (1985–present)
Following a four-year absence after the early 1980s instability, Weekend Update was revived in season 11 (1985–1986) with comedian Dennis Miller as sole anchor, a decision by producer Lorne Michaels to inject fresh, irreverent energy into the segment amid SNL's broader creative reboot.[5] Miller debuted on November 9, 1985, delivering monologues characterized by rapid-fire rants, dense cultural references, and satirical jabs at politics and media, often closing with phrases like "What can I tell you?" and "I'm outta here."[21] His six-season tenure, spanning 111 episodes until May 18, 1991, marked the longest solo run to date and helped stabilize the feature as a highlight of the show, though his verbose style drew mixed reactions for alienating some viewers.[22] Kevin Nealon succeeded Miller in 1991, anchoring through 1994 while incorporating recurring bits like his "Mr. Subliminal" character, which layered hidden messages into news delivery for comedic effect.[23] Nealon's era emphasized subtle wordplay over Miller's intensity, but the segment faced criticism for lacking edge during a period of shifting SNL dynamics. Norm Macdonald assumed the role in 1994, anchoring until December 13, 1997, with a deadpan, minimalist style that prioritized absurd tangents—such as endless moth jokes—and factual reporting laced with irony, notably his persistent mockery of the O.J. Simpson trial verdict despite network pressure to soften coverage.[1] Macdonald's dismissal in early 1998, orchestrated by NBC executive Don Ohlmeyer (a friend of Simpson's defense team), was officially attributed to insufficient humor but widely viewed as retaliation for his unyielding Simpson commentary, highlighting tensions between comedic independence and corporate influence.[24] Colin Quinn anchored solo from 1998 to 2000, adopting a confrontational, streetwise persona that targeted political correctness and urban grit but yielded shorter laughs and prompted format reevaluation due to audience disconnect.[25] In 2000, Tina Fey became the first woman to anchor solo, serving primarily through 2004 with incisive political satire that peaked during the 2000 and 2004 elections, earning her widespread acclaim for blending wit with substantive critique; Jimmy Fallon briefly co-anchored toward the end of her run, foreshadowing duo dynamics.[26] Fey's successor, Amy Poehler, co-anchored with Fallon from 2004 to 2008 (after Fallon's full departure in 2005, Poehler continued elements solo), introducing gender-balanced banter and escalating the segment's role in viral cultural moments.[1] Seth Meyers helmed Weekend Update solo from 2008 to 2014, refining a polished, ensemble-driven approach with frequent guest correspondents and a focus on topical absurdity, which transitioned smoothly into the current era. Since September 27, 2014, head writers Colin Jost and Michael Che have co-anchored, establishing the longest dual tenure at over a decade by 2025, characterized by their contrasting styles—Jost's wry, head-line precision against Che's provocative, race-inflected edge—while incorporating traditions like annual joke swaps to underscore blind spots in writing.[27] This period has seen the segment adapt to 24-hour news cycles, social media virality, and polarized politics, with 2024 marking 10 years of their partnership amid SNL's 50th season, though critiques persist on balancing humor with perceived biases in joke selection.[1]Anchors and Tenures
Chronological List of Primary Anchors
The primary anchors of Weekend Update have anchored the segment solo or as co-anchors during distinct tenures, with the following chronological sequence based on their debut and primary periods of service.[1] [26]| Tenure | Primary Anchor(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1975–1976 | Chevy Chase | Inaugural solo anchor for Season 1. |
| 1976–1980 | Jane Curtin | Solo from 1976; co-anchored with Dan Aykroyd (1977–1978, Seasons 3–4) and Bill Murray (1978–1980, Seasons 4–5). |
| 1977–1978 | Dan Aykroyd (with Jane Curtin) | Brief co-anchor role. |
| 1978–1980 | Bill Murray (with Jane Curtin) | Co-anchor during final years of Curtin's tenure. |
| 1980–1981 | Charles Rocket | Solo for Season 6, occasionally with Gail Matthius; segment ended after season amid cast changes. |
| 1985–1991 | Dennis Miller | Solo anchor reviving the segment in Season 11 through 16. |
| 1991–1994 | Kevin Nealon | Solo for Seasons 17–19. |
| 1994–1997 | Norm Macdonald | Solo for Seasons 20–23. |
| 1998–2000 | Colin Quinn | Solo starting mid-Season 23 through 25. |
| 2000–2004 | Jimmy Fallon and Tina Fey | Co-anchors for Seasons 26–29. |
| 2004–2006 | Tina Fey and Amy Poehler | Co-anchors for Seasons 30–31. |
| 2006–2008 | Amy Poehler and Seth Meyers | Co-anchors for Season 32. |
| 2008–2013 | Seth Meyers | Solo for Seasons 34–38. |
| 2013–2014 | Seth Meyers and Cecily Strong | Transitional co-anchors in Season 39. |
| 2014 | Cecily Strong and Colin Jost | Brief co-anchor pairing at start of Season 40. |
| 2014–present | Colin Jost and Michael Che | Longest-tenured co-anchors, from Season 40 onward. |
Guest and Non-Cast Anchors
During the transitional period following Brad Hall's departure as anchor after the first ten episodes of Season 9 (1983–1984), Weekend Update—temporarily rebranded as Saturday Night News in some installments—lacked a consistent cast member behind the desk, leading to reliance on episode hosts and select non-cast figures to deliver the satirical news segment. This arrangement persisted into early Season 10 (1984–1985) until Dennis Miller assumed the role permanently. Such guest anchoring was uncommon outside this era, as the segment typically featured SNL repertory players, but it highlighted the flexibility of the format amid production changes under producer Dick Ebersol.[1] Notable non-cast anchors included veteran NBC journalist Edwin Newman, who brought a straight-news demeanor to the parody, delivering updates on February 25, 1984 (as episode host), May 12, 1984, and November 3, 1984, while adhering to a nonpartisan style amid the segment's humor.[28] Former U.S. presidential candidate George McGovern anchored on April 14, 1984, struggling with joke delivery in a segment later ranked among the weakest by critics for its awkward execution.[28] Baseball broadcaster and comedian Bob Uecker, hosting on October 13, 1984, became one of few non-cast members to helm the desk, leveraging his self-deprecating humor in the role.[29] Other episode hosts who anchored included actor Michael Douglas on April 7, 1984, amid chaotic production elements like recurring stunt segments, and comedian Don Rickles on January 28, 1984, infusing his insult-comedy persona into the news parody. Comedian Robin Williams solo-anchored the full segment on February 11, 1984, improvising energetically during his hosting stint. Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson anchored on October 20, 1984, marking a rare political figure in the chair. These appearances underscored the segment's experimental phase but often resulted in uneven satire compared to cast-led iterations, as non-performers adapted to scripted jokes under live pressure.[30]Tenures by Duration
The longest continuous tenures as primary Weekend Update anchors have been held by co-anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che, who began jointly hosting on September 27, 2014, and continue as of the 2025–2026 season, spanning over 11 seasons.[1][26] Prior to them, Seth Meyers held the record with approximately 7 seasons from 2006 to 2013, initially co-anchoring with Amy Poehler in season 32 (2006–2007) before solo stints through seasons 33–38.[1][26] Dennis Miller anchored solo for 6 seasons (11–16, 1985–1991), followed closely by Tina Fey's 6-season run (26–31, 2000–2006) across pairings with Jimmy Fallon and Amy Poehler.[1][26] Shorter but notable tenures include Norm Macdonald's 4 seasons (20–23, 1994–1997), Jimmy Fallon's 4 seasons co-anchoring with Tina Fey (26–29, 2000–2004), and Jane Curtin's 4 seasons (2–5, 1976–1980), often in tandem with Dan Aykroyd or Bill Murray.[1][26] Kevin Nealon served 3–4 seasons solo (17–19 or 17–20, 1991–1994), while early anchors like Chevy Chase (1 season, 1975–1976) and Charles Rocket (1 season, 1980–1981) had brief runs amid the segment's initial instability.[1][26] Colin Quinn's solo tenure lasted 2–3 seasons (23–25, 1998–2000).[1][26]| Anchor(s) | Tenure Period | Seasons | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colin Jost & Michael Che | 2014–present | 11+ | Longest continuous co-tenure; Jost began March 2014 with Cecily Strong before Che joined.[1][26] |
| Seth Meyers | 2006–2013 | 7 | Co-anchor with Amy Poehler (season 32), then solo.[1][26] |
| Dennis Miller | 1985–1991 | 6 | Solo anchor reviving the segment post-hiatus.[1][26] |
| Tina Fey | 2000–2006 | 6 | Co-anchor with Jimmy Fallon (seasons 26–29), then Amy Poehler (30–31).[1][26] |
| Norm Macdonald | 1994–1997 | 4 | Solo; ended amid reported tensions over O.J. Simpson coverage.[1][26] |
| Jane Curtin | 1976–1980 | 4 | Solo initially, then co-with Dan Aykroyd/Bill Murray.[1][26] |
| Jimmy Fallon | 2000–2004 | 4 | Co-anchor with Tina Fey.[1][26] |
| Kevin Nealon | 1991–1994 | 3–4 | Solo, overlapping briefly with Norm Macdonald transition.[1][26] |
| Colin Quinn | 1998–2000 | 2–3 | Solo post-Macdonald.[1][26] |
| Chevy Chase | 1975–1976 | 1 | Original solo anchor.[1][26] |
| Charles Rocket | 1980–1981 | 1 | Solo in unstable season 6.[1][26] |