Comedian Michael Che to Replace Cecily Strong on SNL's 'Weekend Update' Desk

By: Caryn Robbins Sep. 12, 2014 Updated Dec. 30, 2017

Michael Che will join Colin Jost at the "Weekend Update" desk for the upcoming 40th season of NBC's iconic late-night show "Saturday Night Live."

The new season begins Sept. 27 with host Chris Pratt and musical guest Ariana Grande.

Named one of Rolling Stone's "50 Funniest People," Buzzfeed's "50 Hottest Men in Comedy" and Variety's "Top 10 Comics to Watch," Che has been a writer on "SNL," a correspondent on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" and has performed stand-up on "Late Night with Seth Meyers" and "Late Show with David Letterman." His first comedy special was Comedy Central's "The Half Hour," which aired earlier this year.

Repertory player Cecily Strong will return as a full-time cast member. Strong is well known for her Update features and sketches, including "The Girl You Wish You Hadn't Started a Conversation with at a Party," which Rolling Stone hailed as an "instant classic." The recurring character of a ditzy porn star-turned-aspiring-pitchwoman that she plays alongside Vanessa Bayer is also an audience favorite.

"Saturday Night Live" is produced in association with Broadway Video. The creator and executive producer is Lorne Michaels.

Photo: Peter Kramer/NBC