Weekend Update Hosts Ranked: A Hilarious Guide
Hello there, comedy lovers! Welcome to our fun-filled, laughter-packed guide to the Weekend Update hosts ranked. We're going to dive into the world of Saturday Night Live's iconic news segment and rank the hosts who've made us laugh, think, and sometimes even cringe (in a good way, of course). So, grab your favorite snack, get comfortable, and let's dive in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and weekend update hosts ranked.
Before We Start: A Brief History of Weekend Update
Before we rank the Weekend Update hosts, let's take a quick trip down memory lane. The segment debuted in 1975 with Chevy Chase as the anchor, and it's been a staple of SNL ever since. Over the years, it's evolved from a straightforward news parody to a platform for some of the show's most iconic characters and sketches.
Our Ranking Criteria
To make this list fair and square, we've considered the following factors:
- 1. Comedic Timing: A good Weekend Update host needs to have spot-on comedic timing to deliver punchlines and react to unexpected moments.
- 2. Character Creation: The hosts who've created memorable characters or personas during their time on the desk tend to rank higher.
- 3. Segment Evolution: Those who've brought something new to the table or pushed the segment's boundaries in some way get extra points.
- 4. Overall Impact: We're looking at the host's entire body of work on the show, not just their time on the Weekend Update desk.
Now, without further ado, let's get into our Weekend Update hosts ranked list!
1. Dana Carvey (1986-1993)
Dana Carvey tops our Weekend Update hosts ranked list for a reason. He was the first host to bring recurring characters to the desk, most notably The Church Lady and Garth Algar from Wayne's World. Carvey's impressions and comedic timing were second to none, making him a true pioneer of the segment.
Fun fact: Carvey's opening to the Weekend Update was so iconic that it was parodied in The Lego Movie!
2. Tina Fey (2000-2006, 2015)
Tina Fey's reign as Weekend Update host was nothing short of legendary. She brought a unique blend of wit, sarcasm, and self-deprecation to the desk, making her a fan favorite. Fey also created unforgettable characters like Sarah Palin and Amy Poehler's Weekend Update sparring partner.
Fun fact: Fey and Amy Poehler's chemistry on the desk was so strong that they were asked to host the segment together for a while!
3. Amy Poehler (2001-2008, 2015)
Speaking of Amy Poehler, she comes in at a close third on our Weekend Update hosts ranked list. Poehler's physical comedy and ability to play off her co-hosts made her a standout. She also created memorable characters like Mandy Hall and Katie Couric.
Fun fact: Poehler and Fey are the only Weekend Update hosts to have won an Emmy Award for their work on the segment!
4. Colin Jost (2014-Present)
Colin Jost has been at the Weekend Update desk since 2014, making him the longest-serving host on this list. He's known for his quick wit and ability to deliver sharp political commentary. Jost's chemistry with co-host Michael Che has also been a highlight of his tenure.
Fun fact: Jost and Michael Che are the first Weekend Update hosts to be of different races.
5. Michael Che (2014-Present)
Michael Che rounds out our Weekend Update hosts ranked list. Che's deadpan delivery and willingness to tackle controversial topics have made him a standout host. His dynamic with Colin Jost has also been a highlight of their time on the desk.
Fun fact: Che was initially hired as a writer for SNL before being promoted to Weekend Update co-host in 2014.
Honorable Mentions
Before we wrap up our Weekend Update hosts ranked list, we'd like to give a shoutout to some of the other fantastic hosts who've graced the desk:
- Chevy Chase (1975-1976): The original Weekend Update host set the bar high with his deadpan delivery and physical comedy. - Jane Curtin (1975-1980): Curtin's sarcastic wit and ability to play off Chevy Chase made her a standout host. - Norm Macdonald (1993-1998): Macdonald's dry humor and ability to deliver punchlines made him a fan favorite. - Jimmy Fallon (1998-2004): Fallon's energy and impressions made him a memorable host, even if he wasn't always the strongest comedian at the desk.
And there you have it, folks! Our Weekend Update hosts ranked list. We hope you've enjoyed this comedic journey through the history of one of SNL's most iconic segments. Until next time, keep laughing!