White House Correspondents Dinner: 'Saturday Night Live‘s ' co-host Colin Jost to host this year

Colin Jost is stepping into the spotlight with a solo anchoring gig. The co-head of “Saturday Night Live‘s” iconic “Weekend Update” segment will take center stage at the 2024 White House Correspondents Dinner, as announced by the journalism organization on Friday. The annual event, known for its blend of humor and political commentary, is scheduled for April 27 in Washington, D.C.

“Colin Jost knows how to bring the laughs on Saturday nights, and I am delighted that Colin will be gracing the nation’s capital as the headline entertainer for this year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner,” stated Kelly O’Donnell, president of the White House Correspondents’ Association and NBC News Senior White House Correspondent. NBC, which also airs “SNL,” will broadcast the event.

Jost, who began his tenure as a writer for “SNL” in 2005, has been co-anchoring “Weekend Update” alongside Michael Che since 2014. His selection for the high-profile hosting role reflects his comedic prowess, but also places him on challenging ground. The Correspondents’ Dinner has historically been a tough platform, with jokes navigating the politically charged atmosphere. While some comedians, like Stephen Colbert and Larry Wilmore, have faced controversy with their remarks, recent hosts such as Trevor Noah and Roy Wood Jr. have managed to strike the right balance.


Known for their sharp satire, Jost and Che regularly skewer major events and political figures on “Weekend Update.” Their biting commentary often takes aim at top politicians, making them well-suited for the Correspondents’ Dinner, where they typically roast media outlets and the President himself, who often attends.

Jost’s comedic talent extends beyond “SNL,” earning him accolades including five Writers Guild Awards, two Peabody Awards, and multiple Emmy nominations for his writing on the show. He has also authored the memoir, “A Very Punchable Face.”

Commenting on Jost’s selection, O’Donnell emphasized his ability to provide incisive commentary in a time of polarized politics and a looming presidential campaign. “His astute humor is perfectly suited for this moment of political division, and his keen observations will add a spark to the national discourse,” she remarked. “As we celebrate freedom of the press, a cornerstone of American democracy, I am thrilled to welcome one of NBC’s brightest stars to this esteemed Washington tradition.”