For years, most viewers knew Colin Jost as the steady, clean-cut anchor behind the Weekend Update desk. But recently, Saturday Night Live has been putting him front and center in sketches — and it’s changing how audiences see him.

In “The Rundown: Colin Jost Picks a Cold Open,” Jost pulls back the curtain on one of the most important parts of the show: the Cold Open.

What Makes a Great Cold Open?

According to Colin Jost, a strong Cold Open isn’t just about getting laughs — it’s about capturing the moment.

It has to:

• feel immediate

• connect to what people are already talking about

• and build momentum fast enough to hook the audience in the first few minutes

That balance between relevance and comedy is what makes Cold Opens one of the hardest — and most important — parts of the show to write.

From Writer to On-Screen Presence

It’s easy to forget that Colin Jost has been part of Saturday Night Live since 2005, primarily as a writer.

For a long time, his role was behind the scenes — shaping jokes, building segments, and helping define the tone of the show without necessarily being the focus of it.

But that’s clearly changing.

The Impression That Shifted Everything

One big reason is his recent portrayal of Pete Hegseth.

The impression has surprised a lot of viewers — not just because it’s accurate, but because of how confidently Jost leans into it.

• the delivery feels natural

• the rhythm feels unscripted

• and the performance carries real sketch energy

It’s the kind of role that makes people realize he can do much more than read headlines.

Why Fans Are Noticing Now

There’s a growing sense among viewers that Saturday Night Live is finally using Jost more fully.

And the timing makes sense.

After years of writing and anchoring, he has:

• deep understanding of the show’s rhythm

• strong chemistry with the cast

• and the confidence to step into bigger roles

More Than Just Weekend Update

Seeing Colin Jost outside of Weekend Update adds a new layer to his presence on the show.

It turns him from “the guy delivering jokes” into someone who can be part of the chaos — whether it’s a Cold Open, a character impression, or a sketch that spirals out of control.

And based on how audiences are reacting, it’s something they want more of.

A Long Time Coming

When you realize he’s been writing for the show since 2005, it almost feels overdue.

Because now that he’s stepping further into the spotlight, it’s clear:

He wasn’t just helping shape Saturday Night Live behind the scenes…

he was preparing to steal scenes in front of it.