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# Colin Jost shines in cut-for-time ‘SNL’ sketch ‘Epstein-Barr’
- URL: https://www.theomnicosm.com/the-cold-open-snl-colin-jost-epstein-cut-for-time/
- Published: 2026-02-03T23:15:17.000Z
- Updated: 2026-02-12T23:50:39.000Z
- Description: The ‘Weekend Update’ anchor almost made a rare appearance in a non-cold open sketch.
- Author: Bill Kuchman
- Tags: The Cold Open • Extras, The Cold Open, SNL, Colin Jost, Kenan Thompson, Ashley Padilla

[This past weekend’s episode of *SNL* hosted by **Alexander Skarsgård**](https://www.theomnicosm.com/deep-snl-thoughts-alexander-skarsgard-review/) was great. But it could’ve been even greater. The show posted “Epstein-Barr” online on Tuesday, revealing a cut-for-time sketch that featured *Weekend Update* anchor **Colin Jost** in an actual sketch. 

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Jost has popped up in a few cold opens during Season 51, gleefully and bombastically playing Secretary of Defense **Pete Hegseth**. But “Epstein-Barr” would’ve given us Jost playing an original character in a non-*Update* setting.

This sketch feels like Jost had an idea for an *Update* character, but when you’re one of the long-running anchors of *Update*, you’re kind of stuck. (This is one of the reasons why **Cecily Strong** stepped down from being an *Update* anchor.) Hall-of-fame *SNL* wordplay in this sketch. I’m happy they put it online.

[*Check out the complete list of SNL Season 51 hosts, musical guests and reviews.*](https://www.theomnicosm.com/who-is-hosting-snl/)

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The Cold Open is a publication of **The Omnicosm**.

Issue No. 42

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