Every season finale of Saturday Night Live brings the highly anticipated Weekend Update joke swap, a segment where hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che trade jokes they’ve written for each other, live on air. This year’s finale included a special surprise that sent the comedic stakes soaring: Dr. Hattie Davis.
For years, the joke swap has been a highlight, often showcasing Che’s knack for pushing Jost’s buttons, leaving Jost in fits of laughter and mock embarrassment. But this time, Che elevated the game by introducing a guest alongside Jost before the joke-telling began – Dr. Hattie Davis. Described as an elderly Black woman, wheelchair user, author, poet, and activist who supposedly appeared on SNL 46 years prior, Dr. Davis immediately sparked curiosity and Google searches, as Che playfully suggested viewers might recall her from a past episode.
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The Dr. Hattie Davis Prank: A Joke Within a Joke
The brilliance of Che’s stunt lay in its layers. Dr. Hattie Davis wasn’t just a random character; she was a complete fabrication. Dr. Hattie Davis from SNL’s Weekend Update was portrayed by actress Daphne Skeeter, and was a character invented entirely by Che for comedic effect. This reveal amplified the humor of the joke swap, as Jost wasn’t just facing unknown jokes, but also the added absurdity of interacting with a person who wasn’t even real. The joke was expertly executed, adding pressure and hilarity in equal measure.
Che’s genius was in his subtle presentation. He provided just enough detail to make Dr. Davis seem plausible. The name “Hattie Davis” itself sounds like a name fitting for a woman of her generation. It’s widely speculated that the first name “Hattie” was inspired by Hattie McDaniel, the groundbreaking actress who won an Academy Award for her role in Gone with the Wind, marking a historic moment for Black actors. The surname “Davis” likely pays homage to Ossie Davis, the respected actor and Civil Rights activist who stood alongside prominent figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Why SNL’s Joke Swap is a Fan Favorite
The Weekend Update joke swap has become a beloved SNL tradition and a season-ending highlight for viewers. While Weekend Update is a regular segment, the joke swap possesses a unique charm. Part of its appeal is its placement at the end of the season, giving the entire SNL cast and episode a more relaxed, celebratory atmosphere. This end-of-term school spirit resonates with the audience, adding to the lightheartedness.
Beyond the festive vibe, the joke swap truly showcases Colin Jost and Michael Che’s comedic prowess and sharp writing. By writing jokes for each other, they are encouraged to push comedic boundaries beyond the usual Weekend Update territory. While regular jokes often carry a degree of snark, the joke swap allows for a more edgy and personal humor, with the primary goal being to elicit a reaction, ideally embarrassment, from the other host. Jost’s visible discomfort and Che’s booming laughter are integral parts of the tradition. The addition of the fictional “Dr. Hattie Davis” this year only amplified the comedic impact, making it arguably the most memorable Saturday Night Live joke swap to date.
