‘SNL’ to Launch 50th Anniversary Docuseries With Episodes Unpacking Audition Process, Writers Room and More
Ahead of the “Saturday Night Live” 50th anniversary special, Peacock is launching a four-part docuseries about the legendary sketch-comedy show titled “SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night.”
Streaming on Jan. 16, the docuseries will feature more than 60 contributors and “SNL” alumni, diving into various aspects of the show.
The first episode, “Five Minutes,” will focus on the “SNL” audition process and feature never-before-seen footage and interviews with some of the show’s top talent. Episode 2, “Written By: A Week Inside the SNL Writers Room,” is a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the uniquely chaotic process of bringing sketches from script to screen.
The third episode of the series, “More Cowbell,” goes deep on one particular sketch from 2000 that has stood the test of time, as Blue Öyster Cult producer Bruce Dickinson (Christopher Walken) insists Gene Frenkle (Will Ferrell) play “more cowbell” during the recording of “(Don’t Fear) the Reaper.” And the final episode of the docuseries, “Season 11: The Weird Year,” explores a pivotal year in the show’s history that reset its direction and ensured its future.
“SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night” boasts “unprecedented access to the show’s archives and talent.” Episode directors include Robert Alexander, Marshall Curry, Neil Berkeley and Jason Zeldes. Morgan Neville and Caitrin Rogers executive produce alongside showrunner Juaquin Cambron. Jonathan Formica and Allison Klein are producers.
“I’ve been obsessed with ‘Saturday Night Live’ as long as I can remember,” Neville said in a statement. “For ‘SNL50,’ I’ve been lucky to collaborate with some of my favorite independent filmmakers to tell some deeper stories of ‘SNL.’ Taken together, these standalone episodes give a new perspective of ‘SNL’ and what makes it work.”
“SNL” will celebrate its 50th anniversary at Studio 8H with a three-hour live primetime special on Sunday, Feb. 16 on NBC and Peacock.
