Saturday Night Live’s biggest stars are taking a walk down memory lane. Peacock has dropped the trailer for ‘SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night,’ a documentary marking the iconic show’s 50th anniversary. Featuring over 60 interviews, this special offers unprecedented insights from past cast members such as Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Kenan Thompson.
The documentary, spread over four episodes, takes a creative look at the tapestry of SNL’s illustrious history, exploring well-loved sketches in collaboration with its most famous contributors. As Tracy Morgan puts it in the preview, ‘Anybody can do comedy, but are you funny?’ This idea sets the tone for a documentary filled with humor and personal stories that have defined SNL.
Jimmy Fallon shares his thoughts on his famous cowbell sketch, stating, ‘This is beyond my wildest dreams that they’re making a documentary about the cowbell sketch.’ The documentary doesn’t just focus on the on-screen hilarity; it dives deep into the challenges and pressures behind the scenes, from last-minute sketch changes to the fierce competition among the cast.
Stars including Amy Poehler, Pete Davidson, and Andy Samberg have shared their experiences with their cringe-worthy audition tapes. ‘It was terrifying,’ Davidson recalls about his audition, a sentiment echoed by Samberg, who confessed, ‘My first audition I threw up.’ Meanwhile, Kenan Thompson humorously reflects on his long career with, ‘It’s a miracle that I’m sitting here right now.’
The documentary also opens up about the complex dynamics backstage. The stress from tight deadlines often led to tensions, yet also fueled some of the greatest comedic performances ever.
In addition to cast stories, ‘SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night’ presents insights from writers and crew members, offering a holistic view of the show’s creative journey. It doesn’t shy away from discussing the demanding environment that has fueled some of the best comedic sequences.
Tom Hanks, a recurrent host, is featured, reminding viewers of his memorable times on the show, including his famous portrayal of David S. Pumpkins. Other beloved hosts such as Melissa McCarthy, Jon Hamm, and Scarlett Johansson are also highlighted for their unique contributions over the years, proving that SNL’s charm extends beyond its regular cast.
Be prepared to witness archival moments with fans’ favorite hosts, like Justin Timberlake and Alec Baldwin, who has made an indelible mark with his numerous appearances, including his impression of a former president.
An interesting slice of the documentary experience includes the fan-driven campaign to bring Betty White to host, proving the show’s deep connection with its audience, and Dwayne Johnson joining the elite Five-Timers Club.
With ‘SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night,’ Peacock takes viewers on an unforgettable journey through the comedy legacy that has resonated for decades. The documentary kicks off on January 16, offering fans and newcomers a chance to relish in the memories and anecdotes that continue to make SNL a cultural phenomenon.
