Behind the Scenes of SNL's Premiere; A Look at 'Saturday Night'
The movie Saturday Night, directed by Jason Reitman, chronicles the chaotic 90 minutes leading up to the premiere of Saturday Night Live (SNL) on October 11, 1975. The film, now streaming on Netflix, stars Gabriel LaBelle as SNL creator Lorne Michaels, alongside an ensemble cast portraying the original cast members, including Dylan O’Brien as Dan Aykroyd, Cory Michael Smith as Chevy Chase, Ella Hunt as Gilda Radner, and Lamorne Morris as Garrett Morris. The movie captures the tension, humor, and drama behind the scenes as the young comedians and writers prepare to launch what would become a groundbreaking television show.
While the film is based on true events, it takes creative liberties for dramatic effect. For instance, the portrayal of NBC executive David Tebet (played by Willem Dafoe) as a threatening figure is exaggerated; in reality, Tebet was supportive of the show. Similarly, the inclusion of Milton Berle (J.K. Simmons) in the premiere night drama is fictional, though Berle did have a notorious reputation for inappropriate behavior. The film also highlights real-life details, such as John Belushi’s reluctance to sign his contract until the last minute and the rushed set construction by designers Eugene Lee and Leo Yoshimura.
Reitman aimed to evoke the essence of the original cast rather than create caricatures, focusing on key traits like Chevy Chase’s ego and John Belushi’s fear of stardom. Despite mixed reactions from critics and audiences, the film has been praised for its performances and nostalgic appeal. Notably, Chevy Chase himself reportedly told Reitman he “should be embarrassed” by the movie, a comment that aligns with his famously brash personality.
Saturday Night offers a behind-the-scenes look at the birth of a cultural phenomenon, blending fact and fiction to celebrate the legacy of SNL. It’s a must-watch for comedy fans and those curious about the show’s origins.
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