Jason Reitman's film Saturday Night, originally titled SNL 1975, offers a captivating portrayal of the chaotic moments leading up to the inaugural broadcast of Saturday Night Live on October 11, 1975. The movie premiered at the Telluride Film Festival on August 31, 2024, followed by a limited theatrical release on September 27, and expanded nationwide in the U.S. on October 11, coinciding with the 49th anniversary of the show's debut
In the United Kingdom, Saturday Night was released on January 31, 2025 . For viewers preferring to stream, the film became available on Netflix starting January 25, 2025.
The narrative unfolds in real-time, capturing the intense 90 minutes before SNL's first live airing. Gabriel LaBelle stars as producer Lorne Michaels, with a supporting cast including Matt Wood as John Belushi, Cory Michael Smith as Chevy Chase, Ella Hunt as Gilda Radner, and Dylan O’Brien as Dan Aykroyd . The film delves into the behind-the-scenes dynamics, highlighting the pressure and creativity that birthed a television institution.
Saturday Night received positive reviews for its authentic depiction of a pivotal moment in television history, offering audiences a nostalgic and insightful look into the origins of SNL.
