In a bold move that has captured the attention of “Saturday Night Live” enthusiasts, cast member Bowen Yang and his “Las Culturistas” podcast co-host Matt Rogers have openly expressed their interest in taking over the iconic “Weekend Update” desk. This surprising declaration hints at a potential shift for the long-running satirical news segment, currently anchored by Michael Che and Colin Jost for nearly a decade.
The impromptu pitch unfolded during an episode of their popular podcast, “Las Culturistas,” where a lighthearted exchange between Yang and Rogers quickly turned into a significant proposal. Rogers, prefacing a question with a humorous nod to past shared experiences, directly asked Yang if he would consider him for a role on the esteemed NBC sketch comedy show, leading to an unexpected revelation.
Rather than a typical response, Bowen Yang seized the moment to articulate a visionary idea for the future of “Weekend Update.” He candidly stated his desire to see both Michael Che and Colin Jost step aside, making way for a new co-hosting dynamic featuring himself and Matt Rogers. This audacious suggestion immediately sparked speculation among fans about the potential for a fresh comedic direction for the beloved segment.
Matt Rogers enthusiastically embraced Yang’s proposition, emphasizing their combined ability to offer a “new fresh take” on the “Weekend Update” format. The duo’s playful confidence, culminating in a witty quip directed at the current hosts, underscored their readiness to inject new energy and humor into one of “Saturday Night Live’s” most enduring and popular segments.
For over a decade, Michael Che and Colin Jost have been the familiar faces of “Weekend Update,” having assumed their roles in Season 40 back in 2014. They followed in the footsteps of many celebrated duos who have graced the desk, establishing their own distinctive style and comedic chemistry during their extended tenure on “Saturday Night Live.”
Bowen Yang’s journey with “Saturday Night Live” began as a staff writer in Season 44 before he transitioned to an on-air cast member the following season, quickly becoming a fan favorite. His collaboration with Matt Rogers on “Las Culturistas” dates back to 2016, a podcast that has garnered a significant following for its sharp wit and insightful pop culture commentary.
The burgeoning popularity of “Las Culturistas” even led to a televised special. The first televised edition of their acclaimed pop culture podcast was scheduled to premiere, bringing their unique brand of humor and dynamic to a broader audience, further solidifying their presence in the entertainment landscape and highlighting the chemistry that could translate to “Weekend Update.”
The prospect of Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers helming “Weekend Update” introduces an exciting potential chapter for “Saturday Night Live,” promising a revitalization of the segment with their distinct comedic voices. Their public pitch reflects a growing trend of performers leveraging their platforms to shape their careers and influence the direction of iconic television institutions. This development will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans eager to see if this “new fresh take” becomes a reality on one of television’s most enduring comedy shows.
