Is Colin Jost leaving Saturday Night Live after Season 50? Here’s What We Know So Far

As Saturday Night Live prepares to close the curtain on its historic 50th season, all eyes are on longtime cast member and head writer Colin Jost. After 20 years with the show, fans are wondering — is Colin Jost leaving SNL after Season 50?

Jost, a Harvard graduate and one of the show’s most consistent voices, has been a mainstay both behind the scenes and on camera, serving as co-anchor of Weekend Update alongside Michael Che since 2014. Now, with the season finale approaching and some suspiciously sentimental details emerging, speculation is reaching a fever pitch.

Is Colin Jost Leaving SNL After Season 50?

There has been no official confirmation from either NBC or Colin Jost regarding his exit. However, several signs are pointing toward the possibility that Season 50 could be his last.

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Here’s what fans are noticing:

• Season 50 marks Jost’s 20th year with the show
• The season finale on May 17 will be his 200th episode
• Scarlett Johansson, Jost’s wife, is set to host that finale

While Johansson’s appearance is officially tied to promoting her upcoming film Jurassic World: Rebirth, the timing has not gone unnoticed. Fans believe it could be a symbolic and emotional send-off for Jost — one of the longest-serving members in SNL history.

The Scarlett Johansson Connection

Scarlett Johansson has hosted SNL six times and is no stranger to the Studio 8H stage. Her seventh turn on May 17 is significant for multiple reasons:

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• She’s married to Colin Jost, making this appearance unusually personal
• The episode will coincide with Jost’s milestone 200th SNL appearance
• It’s the season finale, often used for major cast departures

Many fans believe Johansson’s return for this specific episode is more than just a promotional opportunity — it may be a carefully orchestrated moment to support her husband’s final night on the show.

Colin Jost’s SNL Journey

Colin Jost joined SNL in 2005 as a writer, shortly after graduating from Harvard. Over the years, he:

• Became writing supervisor in 2009
• Rose to co-head writer in 2012
• Began co-anchoring Weekend Update in 2014

His partnership with Michael Che has become one of the most beloved duos in the segment’s history, known for their witty chemistry and signature “joke swap” routines.

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Jost has also authored a memoir, A Very Punchable Face, and collaborated on numerous comedy projects outside of the SNL universe. After two decades, it would come as no surprise if he’s ready to explore life beyond the weekly pressure of sketch comedy.

Fans React to Rumors

The possibility of Jost’s departure has fans sharing a mix of nostalgia, gratitude, and concern:

“If Colin Jost is leaving, Weekend Update will never be the same.”
“Scarlett hosting his 200th episode? It’s too perfect not to be a goodbye.”
“I hope this isn’t the end, but it feels like it’s being set up that way.”

While nothing is set in stone, viewers are emotionally preparing for what could be another major cast transition at SNL.

What Comes Next?

If Colin Jost does leave after Season 50, it will mark the end of an era. However, it would also open the door for new voices to take the helm of Weekend Update — continuing the legacy of a segment that has always reflected the shifting tone of comedy and culture.

Until then, fans will be watching closely on May 17, when SNL airs its season finale and, possibly, Jost’s farewell.