Colin Jost, the longtime 'Weekend Update' anchor on 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL), is embarking on a surprising career pivot that diverges sharply from his comedic roots. He is set to portray one of the most unconventional real-life criminals in recent memory—a suburban dentist who operated as a major cocaine kingpin. This move marks a significant departure for Jost, who has spent years delivering satirical news on SNL.
Colin Jost's New Series: A Deep Dive into a Double Life
According to Entertainment Weekly, Colin Jost's upcoming show, which currently lacks an official title, is based on an astonishing true story. Jost will not only star in the series but also serve as an executive producer. The production is led by Alex Barnow, known for his work on 'The Goldbergs,' with additional executive producers Jeff Grosvenor, Rachel Kaplan, and Larry Lavin himself involved.
The series adapts the first season of the Audacy podcast 'Wolves Among Us.' Its official logline reveals: By day, Larry Lavin was a respected dentist and family man; by night, he was the East Coast's most elusive cocaine kingpin. The narrative will uncover how an individual living the American dream clandestinely built a vast criminal empire. Importantly, Jost remains committed to SNL, ensuring fans he won't be leaving 'Weekend Update' anytime soon.
Who Was Larry Lavin? The Man Behind the Myth
Larry Lavin was an Ivy League-educated dentist based in suburban Philadelphia during the late 1970s and early 1980s. As reported by EW, he resided in an affluent neighborhood, maintained a successful dental practice, and seamlessly integrated into upper-middle-class society. However, under the cover of darkness, he orchestrated the 'Yuppie Conspiracy,' a sophisticated operation trafficking substantial quantities of cocaine along the East Coast, catering to high-profile clients while evading law enforcement.
Lavin's adeptness at leading a double life—appearing as a model professional while secretly managing a drug ring—made him notoriously difficult to apprehend. Eventually, the FBI caught up with him; he was arrested, skipped bail, and was recaptured. Initially sentenced to 42 years for drug trafficking and tax evasion, his term was reduced to 21 years. The series aims to delve beyond the crimes, exploring the complex psychology that enabled Lavin to balance his legitimate career with illicit activities without raising suspicion.
What to Expect from the Show: Tone and Themes
While the series remains untitled, it is described as a true-crime drama with a darkly absurd edge, a tone that aligns with Jost's comedic background yet tackles weightier subject matter. Viewers can anticipate a detailed portrayal of Lavin's evolution from a small-time hustler to a major kingpin, highlighting the chaos and consequences of maintaining his facade. Themes of ambition, deception, and the illusory nature of success will be central, examining how the American dream can sometimes conceal a grim reality.
Who Is Colin Jost? From SNL to Serious Acting
Colin Jost has been a staple at SNL since 2005, initially as a writer and later as co-head writer and 'Weekend Update' anchor alongside Michael Che. His dry wit and precise timing have cemented his status as a prominent comedic voice on television. In terms of acting, he has primarily taken on minor, humorous roles until this project. Off-screen, Jost is widely recognized for his marriage to actress Scarlett Johansson, with whom he shares a son, Cosmo Jost, born in August 2021.
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