New Film Chronicles the Birth of 'Saturday Night Live'

The highly anticipated trailer for Jason Reitman’s film, “Saturday Night,” was unveiled on Thursday, offering a glimpse into the frantic 90 minutes leading up to the inaugural episode of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) in October 1975. The film captures the original cast's race against time to deliver the first show at Studio 8H, highlighting the tension between NBC executive Dick Ebersol, portrayed by Cooper Hoffman, and show creator Lorne Michaels, played by LaBelle. Ebersol expresses doubts about the show's readiness, to which Michaels insists that the show must go on at 11:30 PM, regardless of their preparations. The first episode of SNL aired on October 11, 1975, featuring comedian George Carlin as the host and musical performances by the band Preston and Ian. Notably, the show initially titled “Saturday Night” underwent a rebranding to “Saturday Night Live” during its second season in 1977. Reitman not only directed the film but also co-wrote the script with Gil Kenan, aiming to provide an authentic portrayal of the behind-the-scenes chaos that defined the show's launch. The film's official logline emphasizes the cultural impact of SNL, stating that a “ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television — and culture — forever.” In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Reitman described “Saturday Night” as a “thriller-comedy,” promising to explore the diverse stories of those involved in the show's creation. “Saturday Night” is set to hit theaters on October 11, coinciding with the 49th anniversary of SNL's debut, marking a significant moment in television history.