In the lead-up to October 11, 1975, an air of nervous anticipation permeated the halls of NBC’s Studio 8H. A ragtag troupe of young comedians and writers, virtually unknown to the world, were about to embark on an audacious endeavor – launching a live, unscripted television variety show that would defy convention. At the helm was the visionary Lorne Michaels, a 30-year-old producer determined to breathe new life into the stale landscape of late-night entertainment.
As the clock ticked down to the inaugural broadcast of “Saturday Night Live,” a whirlwind of chaos and uncertainty swirled behind the scenes. Jason Reitman’s highly anticipated film, “Saturday Night,” offers an intimate glimpse into those frenzied 90 minutes, capturing the raw energy, creative clashes, and sheer determination that ultimately paved the way for a cultural revolution.
To bring this pivotal moment in television history to life, Reitman has assembled an impressive ensemble cast, meticulously handpicked to portray the iconic figures who forever changed the face of comedy. Leading the charge is Gabriel LaBelle, fresh off his breakout performance in “The Fabelmans,” who steps into the shoes of the indomitable Lorne Michaels.
Joining LaBelle are a host of talented actors, each embodying the spirit of the original “Saturday Night Live” cast and crew. Dylan O’Brien channels the legendary Dan Aykroyd, while Cory Michael Smith transforms into the inimitable Chevy Chase. Lamorne Morris breathes new life into Garrett Morris, and Ella Hunt captures the effervescent essence of Gilda Radner. Rounding out the ensemble are Emily Fairn as Laraine Newman, Kim Matula as Jane Curtin, and Matt Wood as the iconic John Belushi.
As the trailer for “Saturday Night” vividly portrays, the moments leading up to the first broadcast were a pressure cooker of creativity, fueled by an intoxicating blend of excitement, fear, and sheer determination. Reitman and co-writer Gil Kenan, drawing from extensive interviews with the show’s surviving contributors, have meticulously recreated the charged atmosphere that permeated Studio 8H.
Amidst the chaos, we witness LaBelle’s Michaels fighting tooth and nail to bring his vision to fruition, navigating the unpredictable antics of his cast and the skepticism of network executives. In one particularly tense exchange, Cooper Hoffman’s portrayal of NBC executive Dick Ebersol questions the wisdom of greenlighting a “counterculture show starring total unknowns, with zero narrative and even less structure.”
Beyond the core ensemble, “Saturday Night” promises a tapestry of iconic moments and cameos that will delight fans of the original series. Willem Dafoe steps into the role of NBC executive David Tebet, while J.K. Simmons embodies the legendary Milton Berle. Matthew Rhys channels the irreverent spirit of inaugural host George Carlin, and Jon Batiste lends his musical talents to portray Billy Preston, the musical guest of that first episode.
Reitman’s attention to detail extends even to the most seemingly insignificant roles, with “Stranger Things“, Finn Wolfhard making an appearance as an NBC page, struggling to distribute tickets for the historic event. These small touches, woven throughout the film, serve to transport audiences back to that pivotal moment, immersing them in the sights, sounds, and energy that defined the birth of a cultural phenomenon.
With its star-studded cast, meticulous attention to detail, and Reitman’s deft directorial touch, “Saturday Night” stands poised to become a cinematic tribute to one of television’s most enduring and influential cultural touchstones. As audiences immerse themselves in the chaos, laughter, and sheer determination that defined those 90 minutes, they will undoubtedly emerge with a newfound appreciation for the risk-takers and visionaries who dared to dream big and change the face of comedy forever.
As “Saturday Night Live” prepares to embark on its 50th season, the release of “Saturday Night” serves as a timely and poignant celebration of the show’s enduring impact on popular culture. Through Reitman’s lens, audiences will gain a newfound appreciation for the risks taken, the battles waged, and the unwavering determination that paved the way for five decades of laughter, innovation, and boundary-pushing comedy.
In the annals of television history, few shows have left an indelible mark quite like “Saturday Night Live.” With “Saturday Night,” Reitman and his talented team have immortalized the show’s humble beginnings on the silver screen, ensuring that the story of its birth – a tale of perseverance, creativity, and the indomitable human spirit – will be preserved for generations to come. “Saturday Night” promises to be more than just a movie; it’s a celebration of the power of dreams, the resilience of creativity, and the enduring legacy of a show that dared to defy conventions and change the world, one laugh at a time.
