
The Netflix film Saturday Night, directed by Jason Reitman, gives viewers an energetic and chaotic behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the first-ever episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL). Set in the high-pressure moments leading up to the debut broadcast on October 11, 1975, the film captures the tension and frantic energy backstage as Lorne Michaels, played by Gabriel LaBelle, races against time to bring his vision to life.
The movie starts at 10:01 p.m., just before showtime, and immerses audiences in the hectic atmosphere of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, where actors, writers, and crew are scrambling to make the show happen. Despite its modest box office earnings of $10 million, Saturday Night succeeds in delivering a fast-paced and nostalgic look at the early days of the legendary comedy show.
The film features a talented ensemble cast, with standout performances including Cory Michael Smith as Chevy Chase, Dylan O’Brien as Dan Aykroyd, and Ella Hunt as Gilda Radner. Lamorne Morris portrays Garrett Morris, while Kim Matula takes on the role of Jane Curtin. The dynamic between Lorne Michaels and his team is at the heart of the story, showcasing the collaborative yet stressful process of creating something groundbreaking.
Rachel Sennott shines as Rosie Shuster, Lorne’s writer and wife, providing a grounded perspective on the creative tension. Cooper Hoffman plays Dick Ebersol, the producer backing Lorne’s youthful, fresh approach to comedy. Meanwhile, Willem Dafoe plays NBC executive David Tebet, who is skeptical of the show’s chances, and J.K. Simmons makes a memorable cameo as the legendary Milton Berle.
With its rapid-fire pacing, the film brings to life the early days of SNL, highlighting the behind-the-scenes drama and the comedic magic that would come to define the show. The performances, especially from Hunt as Radner and O’Brien as Aykroyd, bring the iconic cast to life with great authenticity and charm.