Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Colin Jost

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Colin Jost made an impact.

Colin Jost is an American comedian, writer, and actor, best known for his work on Saturday Night Live (SNL). He joined SNL as a writer in 2005 and became the co-anchor of Weekend Update in 2014. He also served as a co-head writer for the show from 2012-2015 and again from 2017-2022, highlighting his significant role in shaping the show's comedic direction. Jost's career is primarily defined by his contributions to SNL.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2005: Joins Saturday Night Live as a writer

In 2005, Colin Jost joined the NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live as a staff writer, marking the beginning of his long association with the show.

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2005: Hired as a Writer for Saturday Night Live

In 2005, after working for the Staten Island Advance and Kappa Mikey, Colin Jost was hired as a writer for NBC's Saturday Night Live.

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2009: Becomes SNL's Writing Supervisor

In 2009, Colin Jost became Saturday Night Live's writing supervisor.

2009: Selected as a "New Face" at Montréal Just for Laughs festival

In 2009, Colin Jost was selected as a "New Face" at the Montréal Just for Laughs festival, marking an early recognition of his comedic talent.

2010: Appears at Montréal Just for Laughs festival

In 2010, Colin Jost appeared at the Montréal Just for Laughs festival.

2011: Appears at Chicago Just for Laughs festival

In 2011, Colin Jost appeared at the Chicago Just for Laughs festival.

2012: Appears at Chicago and Montréal Just for Laughs festivals

In 2012, Colin Jost appeared at both the Chicago Just for Laughs festival and the Montréal festival for the second time.

2012: Becomes Co-Head Writer for SNL

In 2012, Colin Jost became one of the co-head writers for Saturday Night Live.

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2013: Asked to do Weekend Update

During the summer hiatus following the 2012–2013 season, executive producer Lorne Michaels asked Jost if he could do the Weekend Update feature because co-anchor Seth Meyers would soon be leaving to host Late Night with Seth Meyers.

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March 1, 2014: Replaces Seth Meyers on Weekend Update

On March 1, 2014, Colin Jost replaced Seth Meyers as co-anchor on Weekend Update, marking his debut in the role.

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2014: Becomes Weekend Update Co-Anchor

In 2014, Colin Jost became the co-anchor of Weekend Update on Saturday Night Live, solidifying his position on the show.

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2015: Leaves SNL Co-Head Writer position

In 2015, Colin Jost stepped down as one of the co-head writers for Saturday Night Live.

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2015: Steps Down as Co-Head Writer

In 2015, Colin Jost stepped down from his role as co-head writer at Saturday Night Live.

2015: Writes and acts in "Staten Island Summer"

In 2015, Colin Jost wrote the screenplay and played a minor role in the comedy film Staten Island Summer.

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January 2016: Opens for Liam McEneaney

In January 2016, Colin Jost opened for comedian Liam McEneaney's album recording at The Bell House in Brooklyn.

2017: Returns as Co-Head Writer for SNL

In 2017, Colin Jost regained his position as co-head writer for Saturday Night Live.

September 2018: Co-hosts Primetime Emmy Awards

In September 2018, Colin Jost co-hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards along with Michael Che.

2018: Appears in Izod Advertising Campaign

In late 2018, Colin Jost and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers appeared in an advertising campaign for Izod.

March 4, 2019: Appears on WWE's Monday Night Raw

On March 4, 2019, Colin Jost, along with Michael Che, appeared on WWE's Monday Night Raw as special correspondents for WrestleMania 35, getting involved in a storyline with wrestler Braun Strowman.

July 2020: Releases Memoir "A Very Punchable Face"

In July 2020, Colin Jost released his memoir, A Very Punchable Face: A Memoir, which became a New York Times Bestseller.

2020: Portrays Pete Buttigieg on SNL

During the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries, Colin Jost portrayed his friend Pete Buttigieg on Saturday Night Live.

October 23, 2021: Becomes Longest-Serving Weekend Update Anchor

On October 23, 2021, with the episode hosted by Jason Sudeikis, Colin Jost broke Seth Meyers' record to become the longest-serving anchor in the history of the Weekend Update segment on SNL.

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2021: Portrays Roger Goodell on SNL

During the 2021 NFL season, Colin Jost portrayed Roger Goodell on Saturday Night Live.

2022: Leaves SNL Head Writer position

In 2022, Colin Jost stepped down as one of the head writers for Saturday Night Live.

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April 27, 2024: Hosts White House Correspondents' Dinner

On April 27, 2024, Colin Jost hosted the White House Correspondents' Dinner, delivering a 20-minute monologue that roasted Trump and Biden, offered support for Biden's "decency," and celebrated the free press.

July 31, 2024: Announced as Host of "Pop Culture Jeopardy!"

On July 31, 2024, it was announced that Colin Jost would be the host of the game show Pop Culture Jeopardy! on Amazon Prime Video.

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2024: Cameo in "Fly Me to the Moon"

In 2024, Colin Jost made a cameo appearance in the film Fly Me to the Moon, which starred his wife Scarlett Johansson.

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2024: Covers Surfing Competition at Summer Olympics

In 2024, Colin Jost, an avid surfer, was sent to Tahiti by NBC Sports for their coverage of the surfing competition at the Summer Olympics, but departed early due to health problems.