The 20 Best Jokes From ‘Weekend Update’ On SNL
“Weekend Update” has been the heartbeat of Saturday Night Live since the very beginning, delivering sharp punchlines and bizarre news reports that feel somehow more accurate than reality itself. Over the decades, anchors like Chevy Chase, Tina Fey, Norm Macdonald, and Colin Jost have turned fake news into pure comedy gold. Boomers, millennials, and even Gen Z agree that when “Update” works, it is the funniest late-night news broadcast that never really existed. From political zingers to celebrity burns, the desk has produced jokes that feel timeless. Here are the twenty best gags that still deserve a standing ovation today.
Adam Sandler’s Opera Man (1993)
A legendary punchline that perfectly summed up the trial’s absurdity.
Jimmy Fallon and Tina Fey’s “We’re Back” skit (2003)
Their playful reunion gave fans a nostalgic boost and belly laughs.
Bill Hader’s impression of Vincent Price (2009)
A spooky but funny twist that added flavor to Weekend Update.
Amy Poehler’s “Annoying Lady” persona (2005)
Her hilarious character made even the driest news feel entertaining.
Jane Curtin’s “Really?!?” reaction (1976)
Her perfect exasperation became a signature Weekend Update moment.
Colin Jost and Michael Che’s “Black Jeopardy” sketch (2017)
Their brilliant social commentary disguised as a game show blew minds.
Kevin Nealon’s straight‑faced updates (1991)
His calm delivery turned absurd jokes into believable headlines that everyone laughed at.
Chevy Chase’s slapstick physical comedy (1975)
His classic pratfalls made Weekend Update visually hilarious beyond the jokes.
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler’s co-anchor banter (2004)
Their dynamic chemistry brought sharp wit and charm to fake news.
Norm Macdonald on Bill Clinton scandal (1998)
A fearless take that mixed politics and humor with perfect balance.
Bill Hader’s Stefon on Weekend Update (2008)
His bizarre club recommendations were the highlight of many cold opens.
Gilda Radner’s Roseanne Roseannadanna rants (1977)
Her wild tangents turned mundane news into unforgettable chaos and laughs.
Jimmy Fallon’s “It’s Friday” sign-off (1998)
A cheesy yet lovable moment that made Friday nights feel like a party.
Michael Che’s hurricane jokes (2017)
His bold humor highlighted serious issues with unexpected comedic relief.
Colin Jost’s “Weekend Update” opening (2014)
His casual style makes complex news absurdly entertaining for every generation.
Seth Meyers on Twitter outrage culture (2012)
His sharp take showed how outrage can be as fake as the news itself.
Tina Fey’s Sarah Palin impression (2008)
A spot-on parody that made politics strangely funnier and unforgettable.
Norm Macdonald on OJ Simpson trial (1995)
His dry wit turned a serious trial into absurd comedy gold every week.
Jane Curtin’s “And now the fake news” intro (1976)
Her deadpan delivery made fake news feel almost real and hilariously believable.
Chevy Chase’s “I’m Chevy Chase, and you’re not” (1975)
This iconic opener set the tone for Weekend Update’s cheeky news sarcasm forever.