“Saturday Night,” a comedic depiction of the frantic 90 minutes leading up to the inaugural episode of “Saturday Night Live,” is set to hit theaters nationwide on October 11. This release date aligns with the original air date of the first episode, which premiered on October 11, 1975, from NBC’s studio 8H. The film arrives as “Saturday Night Live” celebrates its 50th season, which commenced on September 28.
As the social movements of the 1960s were reshaping American culture, the live comedy show played a pivotal role in the television revolution of the 1970s. However, “Saturday Night” focuses more on capturing a specific atmosphere rather than detailing historical accuracy. Director Jason Reitman emphasized that the film aims to evoke the chaos backstage moments before the show airs, highlighting the last-minute preparations, such as set painting and costume adjustments.
The filmmakers, including Reitman and co-writer Gil Kenan, conducted extensive interviews with individuals who were present during the premiere, including SNL creator and showrunner Lorne Michaels, cast members, writers, and others involved in the production. While the film prioritizes the feel of that historic night, it raises intriguing questions for viewers, leaving them curious about the roles of a llama, a fire incident, and a stern censor.
Historically, NBC sought a program to fill the gap left by reruns of Johnny Carson’s late-night show, with Carson supportive of the new venture. Lorne Michaels aimed to create a show that resonated with a generation familiar with television, reflecting their humor and cultural trends. The original cast, dubbed “The Not Ready for Prime Time Players,” included notable names such as Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, and Gilda Radner.
The movie captures real moments, such as how Alan Zweibel was recruited by Michaels after being approached at a bar, albeit not on the night of the show’s debut. Zweibel shared a humorous anecdote about his struggle to break into the business.
Additionally, the film portrays John Belushi’s reluctance to sign his contract, which mirrored real-life events. Belushi only finalized his contract on the day of the premiere, reflecting his skepticism about television.
While the film fictionalizes certain elements, like a fire on set, it does tap into SNL lore, including an incident where Belushi accidentally set Michaels’ mattress ablaze.
The preparations for sketches were indeed ongoing up to the show’s start, underlining the chaotic environment that Michaels navigated as he sought creative freedom without disclosing too much to NBC executives.
The character of George Carlin in the movie illustrates the actor’s notorious behavior during the show, as he resisted wearing traditional formal attire in favor of a more casual look, which was notable given the pressures faced by early hosts.
Initially, Michaels was slated to host “Weekend Update,” but eventually handed that role to Chevy Chase, who was quickly recognized as a star during rehearsals.
A recurring joke in the film involves a llama being shown during backstage camera cuts, which has become a quirky tradition of the show.
Furthermore, the character representing NBC’s standards department embodies several real individuals tasked with maintaining broadcast appropriateness, showcasing the unique challenges faced by the show’s creators.
Finally, the set design included bricklayers creating a baseball home plate configuration, symbolizing the groundbreaking nature of the show and its connection to New York’s cultural landscape.