This year marks a significant milestone for Saturday Night Live (SNL) as it celebrates 50 remarkable years on air. To honor this achievement, three distinctive TV and streaming specials will air, offering a chance to reflect on the show’s rich history. Each documentary presents a unique format and theme, catering to the diverse audience that has experienced SNL’s impact over the decades. Through a combination of live performances and nostalgic archival footage, these specials bring cherished SNL moments back into the spotlight.
Delving behind the scenes, these documentaries promise an intimate exploration of the show’s production process, revealing firsthand accounts from those who have helped shape its legacy. Audiences can expect new perspectives that evoke memories of past sketches and beloved cast members. As the show kicks off its 50th season, notable hosts like Dave Chappelle and Timothée Chalamet will join in celebrating this iconic show’s enduring legacy.
3 SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night
Thursday, January 16, On Peacock
Kick off the celebrations with SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night, a captivating four-part docuseries debuting on Peacock on Thursday, January 16. This series includes all episodes available for immediate viewing, focusing on crucial elements such as the auditioning process, the writers’ room dynamics, iconic sketches, and a deep dive into SNL’s pivotal season 11. The final episode, dubbed “The Weird Year,”highlights a time of significant change for SNL, a period described as transformative and nearly the show’s undoing, per Peacock’s synopsis.
Produced by the acclaimed filmmaker Morgan Neville, the documentary features over 60 interviews with past and present writers and performers. These candid conversations will shed light on the unpredictable nature of live television and the unique challenges faced in keeping SNL at the forefront of comedy. This docuseries aims not only to commemorate SNL’s past but also to bridge its storied history with the modern-day cast.
2 Ladies & Gentlemen. .. 50 Years of SNL Music
Monday, January 27, On NBC
On January 27, NBC will air Questlove’s Ladies & Gentlemen. .. 50 Years of SNL Music, a comprehensive three-hour documentary that celebrates the show’s profound musical heritage. Through a blend of interviews with musical icons—ranging from modern stars like Billie Eilish and Bad Bunny to legends such as Dave Grohl and DMC—this special pays tribute to SNL’s influence in the music industry.
Alongside performance highlights, the documentary will feature commentary from SNL’s creative talent, including Fred Armisen, Conan O’Brien, and Ego Nwodim, all offering insights into how SNL cultivated its musical legacy. For fans who tune in primarily for the music, this retrospective provides a heartwarming chance to reminisce across decades of unforgettable musical moments.
1 SNL50: The Anniversary Special
Sunday, February 16, On NBC And Peacock
Concluding the anniversary festivities, SNL50: The Anniversary Special promises to be the highlight of this celebration. Airing on February 16, this three-hour live primetime event will showcase the show’s best through sketches, performances, and surprise celebrity appearances. Building on the success of the 40th-anniversary special, which was packed with nostalgic performances and past cast reunions, this landmark event is set to surpass its predecessor.
Tune in to SNL50: The Anniversary Special on Sunday, February 16, from 8 PM to 11 PM on NBC and Peacock. This special not only commemorates SNL’s rich legacy but also demonstrates its continued relevance and ability to create engaging content that resonates with audiences today.
In summary, as Saturday Night Live embarks on its 50th season, fans can look forward to a diverse array of programming that explores its creative journey, musical legacy, and rich history, ensuring that there’s something for every viewer to enjoy this winter.
Source: NBC
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