Saturday Night Live (SNL) is an institution in American television, etching unforgettable sketches and comedic brilliance in its half-century run. Now, with its golden anniversary upon us, fans are treated to a dive deeper into the show’s illustrious past with the docuseries “SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night.” This four-part extravaganza debuts exclusively on Peacock on January 16, offering a fresh perspective on the show’s enduring magic.
SNL has been the launching pad for some of the brightest stars in comedy, and this docuseries does well to wrangle these luminaries for candid reflections. The trailer teases appearances from comedic heavyweights like Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Dana Carvey, Jimmy Fallon, Amy Poehler, Tracy Morgan, and Andy Samberg. Their insights promise humor, nostalgia, and a peek behind the curtain at the competitive nature that fuels the show. Fey’s revealing statement, “It is built on competition,” intimates the flavor of stories yet to unfold. Samberg adds a touch of humor with his confession of nerves during his first audition—quite literally making a splash by throwing up.
A standout segment in the series is devoted to the famed 2000 sketch “More Cowbell.” This cult classic sketch, which saw Christopher Walken demanding “more cowbell” over Blue Öyster Cult’s “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” rings as one of comedy’s enduring moments. Jimmy Fallon humorously echoes the disbelief of many by stating, “This is beyond my wildest dreams that you’re making a documentary about the cowbell sketch.”
The series doesn’t shy away from exploring the less glamorous eras of SNL. It delves into the notorious eleventh season, which came dangerously close to getting the show the boot despite a powerhouse ensemble cast featuring Robert Downey Jr., Randy Quaid, and Joan Cusack. How the show bounced back from this precipice promises a riveting narrative.
Morgan Neville, an executive producer of SNL50, sums up the series’ aim to both celebrate and scrutinize SNL’s legacy. His enthusiasm is palpable as he recounts the journey of bringing in top-tier independent filmmakers to excavate untold SNL chronicles.
The year-long tribute to SNL does not stop with this docuseries. Starting on January 27, NBC will air the special “Ladies & Gentleman… 50 years of SNL Music,” a testament to the musical legends that have graced the show. February 16 marks another milestone with a live primetime special airing on both NBC and Peacock, capturing the iconic allure of SNL.
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As the digital stream of SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night approaches, the promise is not just a nostalgic waltz down memory lane but an incisive look at the comedy, intensity, and occasional fiascos that define SNL. Premiering on January 16 on Peacock, the series is precisely what comedy aficionados and newcomers alike need—to see beyond just the jokes. With additional celebrations throughout the year, SNL is set to commemorate its storied history with the only flair it knows—showcasing the unpredictable dance between chaos and comedy that has kept it relevant for five decades.
