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Last night, NBC dropped a Saturday Night Live bombshell when they announced that Michael Che would be the show’s newest Weekend Update anchor. How did this happen? What does this mean? Why is it historic? And who exactly is Michael Che? We have all the scoop.

Who is Michael Che?

Michael Che is an American stand up comedian and writer who got his first break on VH1’s Best Week Ever. He actually wrote on Saturday Night Live last year and appeared as a correspondent on The Daily Show this summer. He recently garnered a lot of attention for a segment that posited that the only safe place for a black reporter was in space.

So, he worked behind-the-scenes on Saturday Night Live, left to appear on camera as a fake newsman on The Daily Show, and now he’s back on Saturday Night Live on camera as a fake newsman?

Um. Yes. That’s exactly it.

Wait, I thought Cecily Strong and Colin Jost were the Weekend Update anchors?

Well, they were. Cecily Strong will be stepping down from her Weekend Update duties so she can devote more time to appearing in sketches.

So, was Cecily Strong fired from the Weekend Update desk?

On the contrary, The New York Times reports that Strong approached Lorne Michaels with the request herself.

So, they fired Colin Jost from the Weekend Update desk?

No, he is staying. Weekend Update will be anchored by two men this season: Colin Jost and Michael Che.

You said that this was historic. Why?

It will be the first time that two men will co-anchor the Weekend Update desk, but Michael Che will also be the first black Weekend Update anchor ever.

What. Really?

Really.

This is Saturday Night Live‘s 40th season, and they’ve never had a black guy or girl behind the desk?

Nope. This will be the first time it ever happens. Horatio Sanz subbed in for Tina Fey when she had her first baby, but besides that, Weekend Update has only ever been anchored by white people.

Will there be any more new cast members added to SNL this season?

The New York Times also reports that Lorne Michaels is planning on adding one or two more cast members, but he has yet to make a final decision. So, look for news in the next week or so on that.

Will I like Michael Che?

We think so. He’s a very clever and uses a unique laid-back delivery. He also excels at writing jokes that lovingly mock social issues. Check out this short film inspired by one of his jokes:

He’s also a very nice guy in real life.

Anything else I need to know about him?

You can follow him on twitter at @CheThinks.

When does Saturday Night Live come back?

Saturday Night Live‘s 40th season will premiere on September 27th. Chris Pratt will host and Ariana Grande will be the musical guest.

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