Saturday Night Live star Michael Che recently took a humorous jab at NBCUniversal following the departure of two high-profile Black employees from the network.
During the latest episode of “The Weekend Update,” Che quipped that he could be next to leave,
referencing the recent exits of MSNBC host Joy Reid and NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt.
Reports surfaced last weekend suggesting that Joy Reid would be departing from MSNBC amid a restructuring of the network’s programming.
On Monday, March 24, the network officially confirmed that Reid would not only be losing her primetime show but also exiting the company entirely.
The restructuring also led to the cancellations of shows hosted by Alex Wagner, Katie Phang, and others, marking a significant shift in MSNBC’s lineup.
The same day, Lester Holt, who has served as the anchor of NBC Nightly News since 2015, announced his departure from the role. In a memo to staff, Holt reflected on his career, saying, “As a 20-year-old radio reporter on the police beat chasing breaking news around San Francisco, I could never have imagined my career path would unfold in the way it has. What an amazing ride.”
During the March 1 episode of SNL, Che wasted no time addressing the high-profile exits with his signature sharp humor. He said, “This week, MSNBC fired its only non-white primetime host, and Lester Holt announced he is stepping down as the anchor of NBC Nightly News.” He then pointed to a picture of himself on screen and joked, “Well, NBC, only one more to go, baby.”
Che has been a staple of “The Weekend Update” since 2014, co-anchoring alongside Colin Jost. The duo also served as co-head writers for SNL from 2017 to 2022. Che’s quick-witted commentary on race and politics has made him one of the standout voices on the show, and his latest remarks on NBCUniversal’s recent changes resonated with audiences.
Meanwhile, SNL also took aim at another major political event in the same episode. The cold open parodied a recent meeting at the White House between former President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The sketch mocked the dynamic between the world leaders, with James Austin Johnson reprising his role as Trump.
In the satirical reenactment, Trump, portrayed by Johnson, introduced himself as the “CEO of Gaza Hotel,” poking fun at Trump’s real-life comments about transforming the war-torn region into a luxury destination. Johnson’s Trump then turned to Zelensky, played by Mikey Day, and sarcastically commented on his attire, saying, “Thank you for dressing like casual Star Trek…I love Star Trek because there’s no DEI.”
The joke referenced Trump’s well-documented disdain for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, as well as his apparent displeasure with Zelensky’s choice of a black sweater and pants during their actual Oval Office meeting. The SNL sketch highlighted the ongoing tensions surrounding Trump’s stance on international affairs while incorporating the show’s signature comedic style.
Che’s comments and the political cold open both reflect SNL’s continued approach to addressing major news stories with biting humor. His remarks about NBCUniversal’s recent personnel changes shed light on broader conversations about diversity in media, while the parody of the Trump-Zelensky meeting demonstrated the show’s commitment to lampooning political figures from all sides.
With MSNBC’s restructuring and Holt’s departure marking significant shifts at NBCUniversal, Che’s joke about being the next Black employee to leave struck a chord with many viewers. As SNL continues to provide social and political commentary through comedy, Che remains one of its most outspoken voices, using satire to highlight issues that resonate with audiences.
Whether or not Che’s comment was purely in jest or a hint at his own future with the network, his sharp wit and fearless approach to comedy continue to make him a standout figure in the world of late-night television. For now, fans can continue to enjoy his unique brand of humor on SNL, as he navigates the ever-changing landscape of media and entertainment.
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