Michael Che to replace Cecily Strong as ‘SNL’ ‘Weekend Update’ co-anchor

Late night television may have entered a kinder, gentler era, but the competition for fake-news talent remains fierce.

On Thursday “Saturday Night Live” announced that comedian Michael Che, who made his debut as a correspondent on “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” just three months ago, will become co-anchor of “Weekend Update,” joining Colin Jost. It will be a return to “SNL” for Che, who was a member of the show’s writing staff last season.

Che will replace Cecily Strong, who was assigned to the desk last year and shared duties with longtime anchor Seth Meyers until his departure in February. Executive producer Lorne Michaels reportedly reassigned Strong, widely regarded as one of “SNL’s” strongest players thanks to characters like The Girl You Wish You Hadn’t Started a Conversation With at a Party, so that she would be free to appear in more sketches.

Che will be the first African American to permanently fill the “Weekend Update” slot in the 40-year history of the show, which added Sasheer Zamata to the cast in January following criticism over the show’s lack of diversity. Che and Jost will also be the first male duo to anchor the segment.

In his brief time at “The Daily Show,” Che made a mark in reports on the racial strife in Ferguson, Mo., and undocumented children fleeing to the United States from Central America.

In addition to his work on “The Daily Show,” Che also appeared on “Late Night With Seth Meyers,” “John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show,” “Late Show With David Letterman” and “The Half Hour.”

“Saturday Night Live” will premiere Sept. 27 with host Chris Pratt and musical guest Ariana Grande.

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