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Sarah Sherman's Flaco the Owl Widow Got In a Flap with Colin Jost on "Weekend Update"

Sherman donned an owl suit and mourning veil to weigh in on the New York City owl's death—and snuck in a few jabs at her favorite "Weekend Update" Host, of course. 

By Samantha Vincenty
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Sarah Sherman pulled up to the "Weekend Update" desk once again during Ramy Youssef's March 30 Saturday Night Live episode — donning a feathery owl costume and a mourning veil as Flaco the Owl's Widow. Sherman's latest character weighed in on the death of the escaped Bronx Zoo bird and, in keeping with many of her prior visits, Sherman couldn't resist taking a couple shots at "Update" co-anchor Colin Jost

How to Watch

Watch Saturday Night Live Saturdays at 11:30/10:30c on NBC and Peacock, streaming next day on Peacock.

Flaco, a Eurasian eagle-owl whose escape from the Bronx Zoo and subsequent sightings all over New York City turned him into a mascot for many residents, died in an accident just over a year after he got free. But zoo autopsy results released in late March put Flaco back in the headlines, inspiring Sherman's creative bit.

"By the way, why was there even an autopsy? When a bird basically explodes into the side of a building, who's like, 'how did he die?'" Sherman's salty bird opined.

When Jost pointed out that many were seeking closure, the Widow pointed to an unfortunate autopsy detail. "Yeah, but the phrase 'pigeon herpes' kind of raises more questions than answers, Colin."

RELATED: Watch Ramy Youssef's SNL Monologue and Sketches

Sarah Sherman dressed as flaco the owl and Colin Jost during Saturday Night Live episode 1859

Like Sarah Sherman, Flaco the Owl's Widow enjoys teasing Colin Jost

"Why is the media always tearing great men down, you know?" Sherman continued, not missing an opportunity to work in a fabricated allegation against her pal. "It's always, 'FDR had a mistress,' or 'MLK had a mistress, or 'Colin Jost had an underaged mistress.' Or, 'Flaco went blind from severe herpes!'"

"What what?" Jost cut in. 

"Who? Who?" Sherman replied, giggling her way into an owl call before insinuating that Flaco and Jost's wife Scarlett Johansson are the same type of "big time celebrity" spouse.

"And there's nothin' we can do about it. Right, brother?" Sherman said, folding her feathered fingers into a fist bump. 

RELATED: Scarlett Johansson Matches Katie Britt's State of the Union Energy in SNL Parody

"Them's the rules, yeah," Jost dutifully read off the cue card, ever the good sport. 

Watch Sarah Sherman as Flaco the Owl's Widow on "Weekend Update" above.

Watch more of Colin Jost and Sarah Sherman on "Weekend Update"

Sarah Sherman and Colin Jost during the weekend update on Saturday Night Live Episode 1855

In the February 4, 2024 "Weekend Update," Sherman joined as CJ Rossitano, a young man who had a striking resemblance to Jost. 

CJ Rossitano on Winning the SNL Ticket Lottery

Weekend Update: CJ Rossitano on Winning the SNL Ticket Lottery

Guru Genesis Fry on Mental Health

Sherman's guru character found inner peace by insulting Jost in her guided meditation in this April 2023 sketch. 

Weekend Update: Guru Genesis Fry on Mental Health

Sarah Sherman Roasts Colin Jost 

From 2021, a straightforward Jost roast from a "plainclothes" Sarah Sherman (just kidding; with her fabulous technicolor wardrobe there's no such thing). 

Weekend Update: Sarah Sherman Roasts Colin Jost

Field Correspondent Sarah Sherman Gives an SNL Studio Tour

Sherman doesn't need to sit behind the desk to stress Jost out—she can do it while roving backstage at SNL, too. 

Weekend Update: Field Correspondent Sarah Sherman Gives an SNL Studio Tour
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