Live from New York, it’sSNL50: Beyond Saturday Night! Ever wonder what it’s like working for one of America’s most culturally significant sketch series? In celebration of its 50th anniversary,Saturday Night Liveinvites fans, haters, and new audiences to what happens behind the curtains of Studio 8H at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. The four-part docuseries, executive produced by Academy and Emmy Award-winning filmmakerMorgan Neville, tells the peaks and lows ofSNL, with retellings from a whopping 60 contributors - most of whom have been part of the show’s ensemble and writer’s team during different eras ofSNL. From seasoned legendsWill Ferrell,Bob Odenkirk,andTina Fey, to rising talentsBowen YangandPete Davidson, everyone’s got something to share about the show’s legacy.
With 50 years under their belt,SNLhas received its equal share of praise and scrutiny. On one hand, the show appealed to the masses,with culturally relevant skitslikeRyan Gosling’s “Papyrus” sketch andFred Armisen’s raunchy “New Girlfriend” character. On the other hand,SNL’s questionable creative decisions led to its infamous reputation (case in point:having certain, polarizing politicians onSNL). Nevertheless, no show is ever the same, and that’s the true appeal ofSaturday Night Live. Without further ado, here’s where you can watch and streamSNL50: Beyond Saturday Night.
Is ‘SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night’ Premiering on TV?
Unfortunately, theSNL50: Beyond Saturday Nightdocu-series doesn’t air on TV.
Is ‘SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night’ Streaming Online?
All four episodes ofSNL50: Beyond Saturday Nightpremiere onThursday, January 16 on Peacock.
PEACOCK SUBSCRIPTION PLANS
Can You Stream ‘SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night’ Without Peacock?
Unfortunately, that wouldn’t be possible.SNL50: Beyond Saturday Nightis only available exclusively on Peacock.
However, audiences can watch otherSNL-related releases outside of Peacock. On January 27, theQuestloveandOz Rodriguez-directed documentaryLadies & Gentlemen … 50 Years of SNL Music, showcasingSNL’s musical guests, premieres on NBC.
But most important of all, don’t miss out onthe three-hour SNL 50th anniversary specialon Sunday, February 16 from 8-11 p.m. E.T. on NBC and Peacock.
‘SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night’ Episode List
Check out the official episode descriptions forSNL50: Beyond Saturday Night:
“Five Minutes”
Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Robert Alexander, Five Minutes offers an inside look at the SNL audition process. The documentary unveils never-before-seen audition footage and features personal stories from some of the show’s most legendary cast members, sharing how they prepared for their big moment and what happened when stepped on that stage.
“Written By: A Week Inside the SNL Writers Room”
What’s it like to write for Saturday Night Live? This episode, directed by Academy Award winner Marshall Curry, reveals the creative process – and occasional chaos – as a sketch journeys from a pitch to a performance watched by millions.
“More Cowbell”
This episode, directed by Neil Berkeley, offers an inside look at one of SNL’s most legendary sketches and how close it came to landing on the cutting room floor. Let’s just say if you have a fever, the prescription might just be this episode.
“Season 11: The Weird Year”
The final episode, directed by Jason Zeldes, takes a deep dive into SNL’s 11th season, which Peacock describes as “the pivotal year that reset the show’s direction and cemented its enduring DNA with Lorne Michaels at the helm.”
Watch the Trailer for ‘SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night’
Check out the official synopsis forSNL50: Beyond Saturday Night:
“SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night is a four-part documentary series honoring the legacy of SNL, with over 60 contributors, including SNL alumni, and covering decades of SNL history. Spotlighting some of the show’s most iconic elements, each episode delves into the rich history of SNL and pulls back the curtain on the audition process, the writers’ room, the fan favorite “More Cowbell” sketch and the pivotal season 11.”
Love it or hate it,Saturday Night Liveis the pinnacle of American pop culture. AsLarry Davidputs it in the trailer, it’s essentially an “American institution. But behind the entertaining monologues, eccentric skits, and eclectic cast members,there is another side of the sketch series often overlooked by the audience.SNL50: Beyond Saturday Nightoffers a behind-the-scenes look into all of the efforts to make the weekly show a success. Whether it’s stories of flawed auditions from the likes ofAndy Samberg,Amy Poehler, andKenan Thompson, to the heavily under-credited writer’s room, the docuseries is a deep reflection of the show’s triumphs and trials over the decades. Skip the after-party. There’s no better celebration thanSNL 50: Beyond Saturday Night Live.
Oscar-winning documentarian and executive producer ofSNL50Morgan Nevilleshares his thoughts about the upcoming docuseries:
“I’ve been obsessed with ‘Saturday Night Live‘ as long as I can remember. 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.”
Other Shows like ‘SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night’ to Check Out Next
‘Key & Peele’ (2012-2015)
Key & Peele
MadTValumsKeegan-Michael KeyandJordan Peelejoin forces in their one-of-a-kind sketch comedy seriesKey & Peele.Touching on pop culture to race stereotypes, the two would go on to cement their names in the world of comedy. The show popularized Key’s iconic character Luther, a.k.a. President Barack Obama’s angry translator (even being invited by the actual Obama to join him in the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.)
WATCH ON HULU
‘The Eric Andre Show’ (2012-2023)
The Eric Andre Show
Irreverent and completely, no-words-to-describe borderline insane,The Eric Andre Showisa surrealist take on the classic, late-night TV show format. Instead of sophisticated sets and professional staff, the show takes place in an abandoned bodega and an apathetic sidekick, who doesn’t talk much. Despite its shady appeal, the series has featured star-studded guests likeLil Nas X,Jon Hamm, andNatasha Lyonne- all of whom have fallen victim to Andre’s deranged yet highly amusing pranks.
‘Mr. Show with Bob and David’ (1995-1998)
Mr. Show with Bob and David
Odenkirk may have taken the world by storm asBreaking BadandBetter Call Saul’s Saul Goodman, but theSaturday Night Livealum can whip out comedic chops of his own.Partnering together withDavid Cross,Mr. Show with Bob and Davidmade a name for themselves as a must-watch ‘90s comedy sketch show, doing so well to the point it received four Emmy Award nominations.
WATCH ON MAX
