Emily Beckerman has the dream job as a writer on Live From New York, a world-famous sketch comedy show. But what she really wants is to write for the legendary Weekend Update segment. When it becomes clear that the current hosts will never give her that chance, Emily takes matters into her own hands and replaces one of their jokes with her own.

She never expected that her moment of revenge would cause an on-air meltdown that got the show's Head Writer fired. Emily is even more surprised to learn that she's going to be his replacement, because Live From New York is dangerously close to being cancelled.

The only problem is Chris Galloway, the other Update host and Head Writer. Emily and Chris are both convinced that they know the best way to save the show, and neither of them is happy about being forced to work together. But Chris isn't who Emily thought he was, and when their animosity gives way to white-hot chemistry, she realizes that Live From New York isn't the only thing at risk.