Colin Jost Referenced Kristi Noem Divorce on SNL
The comedian joked about the South Dakota governor's marriage during the show's Weekend Update segment.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Divorce
During a recent Saturday Night Live Weekend Update segment, Colin Jost delivered a joke regarding Kristi Noem's divorce from her husband, Bryon. The comedian accompanied his remarks with a photograph of the governor wearing an ICE vest.
Why it matters
The segment highlighted the intersection of political figures and late-night satire, as shows like Saturday Night Live frequently utilize current events in their comedy routines. These jokes often serve to bring national attention to the personal and professional lives of public officials.
The broadcast featured a joke about Kristi Noem's divorce filing and a separate segment where Michael Che discussed Republican midterm prospects using imagery from the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots.
The players
Colin Jost
He is a long-standing writer and performer for the late-night sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live.
Kristi Noem
She is the Governor of South Dakota who recently filed for divorce from her husband, Bryon.
Michael Che
He is a comedian and head writer who co-hosts the Weekend Update segment on Saturday Night Live.
JD Vance
He is an American politician who has discussed Republican electoral prospects for the midterms.
The details
Colin Jost and Michael Che co-anchored the Weekend Update desk, utilizing photos and video clips to frame their political humor. While Jost focused on the South Dakota governor, Che incorporated visuals of the Capitol riots to comment on the Republican Party's upcoming midterm election strategy.
Timeline
January 6, 2021: The Capitol riots took place.
October 4, 2026: This story was published.
Culture Shift
The inclusion of imagery related to the 2021 Capitol riots in a late-night comedy routine signals a continuing trend where sensitive political history is directly integrated into mainstream entertainment. This approach reflects a broader societal shift where the lines between news, historical trauma, and comedy increasingly blur in the public consciousness.
The routine does not impose new regulations or financial burdens on the public, but it shapes how citizens discuss the personal lives of their elected officials. Viewers should be aware that such segments are creative interpretations and often reflect the specific editorial lens of the network.
The takeaway
Late-night satire frequently relies on the private lives of politicians to maintain relevance during active election cycles. Readers should keep in mind that these performances are scripted entertainment and often condense complex political and personal matters into short, digestible soundbites.
Further reading
For more on how high-profile breakups are handled in the media, see our coverage on Divorce.
