Music
The Untold Stories of "Saturday Night Live" in 50 Years of Music
2024-12-19
In celebration of the remarkable 50th anniversary of "Saturday Night Live," NBC is set to unveil a captivating new documentary that delves deep into the culture-defining, groundbreaking, and newsmaking musical performances, sketches, and cameos that have defined this late-night staple over the years. This documentary promises to take viewers on a journey through time, uncovering hidden gems and sharing the stories behind the scenes.
Discovering the Musical Tapestry
The special features an astonishing array of more than 50 interviews with musical artists, cast members, writers, producers, and more who have been an integral part of the sketch show's legacy. Musicians such as Bad Bunny, DJ Breakout, Elvis Costello, Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish & Finneas, Dave Grohl, Debbie Harry & Chris Stein, Mick Jagger, Dua Lipa, Darryl DMC McDaniels, Tom Morello, Kacey Musgraves, Olivia Rodrigo, MC Sha-Rack, Paul Simon, Chris Stapleton, Justin Timberlake, Lee Ving, and Jack White share their experiences and insights.The "Saturday Night Live" cast and creatives involved, including Lorne Michaels, Fred Armisen, Conan O’Brien, Eli Brueggemann, Jane Curtin, Jimmy Fallon, Al Franken, Josiah Gluck, Bill Hader, Steve Higgins, Marci Klein, Melanie Malone, Tom Malone, Mary Ellen Matthews, Eddie Murphy, Ego Nwodim, Liz Patrick, Leon Pendarvis, Lenny Pickett, Joe Piscopo, Andy Samberg, Brian Siedlecki, Akiva Schaffer, Paul Shaffer, Sarah Sherman, Howard Shore, Robert Smigel, Jorma Taccone, Kenan Thompson, Maya Rudolph, Hal Willner, and Bowen Yang, add another layer of depth to this musical exploration.The Director's Vision
"Ladies & Gentlemen … 50 Years of SNL Music" is directed by the highly acclaimed Grammy and Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Emmy Award winner Oz Rodriguez. Questlove's passion for this project is evident as he said, "Everyone knows the most famous 'SNL' appearances, whether it's Elvis Costello, Prince or the Beastie Boys, but they’re the tip of a huge iceberg. The process of going back through the incredible archival footage was like being in a time machine, DeLorean or other. I’m so happy I went on the trip and now get to share it with everyone." This documentary is a testament to their vision and dedication.Exclusive Programming and Celebrations
In addition to this remarkable documentary, original programming celebrating SNL's 50th anniversary will include the four-part docuseries, "SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night," which will stream exclusively on Peacock beginning Jan. 16. The anniversary celebrations will reach a climax with a live primetime special on Feb. 16 on NBC and Peacock. These events will be a grand celebration of the show's enduring legacy and the impact it has had on popular culture.