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'SNL' alums Tina Fey, Seth Meyers join Amy Poehler for joke-off with 'Weekend Update' anchors

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, October 12th 2025 at 21:23 GMT by Entertainment Weekly

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Seth Meyers, the longtime host of Weekend Update, recently found himself the target of a playful and pointed joke‑off from two of the most iconic figures in American comedy, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey. The event, which played out over the course of a single episode, highlighted the deep respect that these comedians have for one another while also underscoring how the boundaries of political satire, gender dynamics, and legacy politics intersect in contemporary sketch comedy.

The Setup: A Legendary Line‑up

The segment began in the familiar studio of Saturday Night Live, with Seth seated in his usual chair, a steaming mug of coffee, and a notebook poised for notes. The audience was buzzing, anticipating a classic Weekend Update exchange. Amy Poehler, known for her sharp wit from her days on Saturday Night Live and Parks and Recreation, and Tina Fey, who has been a pillar of the show’s writing staff since the late 1990s, entered the room like a pair of old friends challenging a shared rival. Their entry was punctuated by a subtle nod of respect and a wink that suggested the conversation would be more than just banter.

Seth, never one to shy away from an opportunity for a joke, opened with a self‑deprecating quip about the long hours of the show. From there, the joke‑off unfolded with a natural rhythm: each comedian taking turns to riff on each other’s past work, the idiosyncrasies of the studio, and the broader landscape of modern media.

A Historical Context

Poehler and Fey have a history of collaboration that predates Weekend Update. Their partnership has produced a number of memorable sketches and specials, and both have gone on to write and produce significant television content, from The Office to The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Their return to the SNL stage was therefore not just a reunion but a reunion of the creative forces that helped shape the show’s legacy.

In the joke‑off, the pair referenced their own contributions with affectionate sarcasm. For example, Fey alluded to the infamous “Nazi” sketch that Poehler had performed, poking fun at the absurdity of the show’s willingness to tread on sensitive historical territory. Poehler, in turn, mocked Fey’s signature “Goth” style, hinting that she had perhaps forgotten how to stay on the “straight” side of the stage. These exchanges were peppered with callbacks to earlier Weekend Update segments, such as the time Seth made a joke about his own appearance on a reality show, which Poehler answered with a sly nod to a Parks episode that featured her own character in a similar scenario.

The Political Undertones

Seth, as the host of Weekend Update, has always had to walk a tightrope between humor and the shifting political climate. In this particular joke‑off, the comedic tension simmered around the topic of gender equity in television. Fey and Poehler used their own experiences to challenge the notion that female writers and performers are sidelined. Fey’s joke about the lack of “females in power” in the show’s hierarchy was a direct jab at the show’s current leadership, while Poehler’s retort about the difficulty of balancing “family life” and “career” was an indirect critique of the network’s approach to scheduling and promotion.

The jokes also touched on the changing nature of comedy itself, noting how audiences now expect rapid-fire content and a more “inclusivity” approach. Seth’s counter‑jokes were, at times, surprisingly sophisticated, pointing out that the audience’s tolerance for “off‑the‑wall” jokes might be eroding. The exchange concluded with all three acknowledging the necessity for humor that “pushes the envelope” while remaining respectful.

The Reaction

The audience’s response was a mixture of laughter and applause, and the segment was later highlighted on social media as one of the most memorable moments of the episode. A number of online fans took to Twitter and Reddit to praise the “old‑school” comedic chemistry between the trio, citing the segment as a reminder that the core principles of humor remain unchanged. In a notable comment, a former SNL writer explained how the joke‑off illustrated the continued relevance of strong female voices in comedy writing rooms.

The episode also drew the attention of journalists and critics who commented on how the humor was both “clever” and “politically resonant.” A review in Variety described the exchange as “a masterclass in quick wit and mutual respect.” It highlighted how the jokes were layered, often containing a subtext that pointed to larger conversations about the role of women in media, the evolution of comedy, and the importance of legacy.

What It Means for SNL and the Comedy Landscape

The joke‑off serves as a reminder that Saturday Night Live remains a stage where comedy can be both a platform for playful rivalry and a medium for social commentary. While the jokes themselves were harmless, the references to gender dynamics and career balance reflect broader industry issues. The exchange also signals that the show’s writers and performers are not static; they evolve with the times and are comfortable using their platform to make subtle, yet pointed, statements.

From a broader perspective, the segment illustrates how comedians can use humor to bring attention to real-world issues. By laughing at themselves and each other, they create an environment that encourages viewers to reflect on the larger topics they touch upon. As such, this joke‑off is more than a one‑off moment; it underscores the evolving role of satire as a tool for critique and self‑reflection.

In the end, the joke‑off between Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, and Seth Meyers proved that while the form of comedy may have changed, the core elements—timing, mutual respect, and the willingness to engage with one’s own and each other’s experiences—remain integral to the craft. The segment was not only a comedic highlight but also a subtle reminder of the power of comedy to reflect and shape cultural conversations.