’50 Years of SNL Music’ Documentary Dropped by NBC
Saturday Night Live is marking a significant milestone with its 50th anniversary celebrations, and the excitement is heightened by the announcement of a brand new documentary from NBC, revealed on Thursday (Dec. 19). This documentary promises to be a comprehensive exploration of the beloved show’s impact over the decades.
Entitled Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music, this new documentary will take viewers behind the scenes with exclusive interviews featuring a diverse array of artists, cast members, writers, and producers who have all played a crucial role in shaping the iconic legacy of SNL. Spanning three hours, the film is set to unveil untold stories that highlight the culture-defining, groundbreaking, and newsworthy musical performances, sketches, and memorable cameos that have captivated audiences over the past half-century. Expect a deep dive into the creative processes and unforgettable moments that have marked SNL as a staple of American television.
The documentary will be skillfully directed by Questlove and Oz Rodriguez, showcasing their artistic vision and expertise. This project is produced by a collaboration of esteemed companies, including Two One Five Entertainment, RadicalMedia, and Broadway Video. Questlove also takes on the role of executive producer, alongside notable industry figures such as Lorne Michaels, Zarah Zohlman, Erin David, Dave Sirulnick, Jon Kamen, Meredith Bennett, Alexander H. Browne, Shawn Gee, and Tariq Trotter. Rodriguez, known for his innovative approach to storytelling, serves as the producer, ensuring that the documentary captures the essence of what makes SNL so beloved.
The documentary boasts an impressive lineup of musicians who are set to appear, including renowned names such as Bad Bunny, DJ Breakout, Elvis Costello, Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish, and Finneas. Other notable artists include Dave Grohl, Debbie Harry and 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. In addition to these musical legends, the film will feature beloved SNL cast members like Jimmy Fallon, Bowen Yang, Fred Armisen, Conan O’Brien, Bill Hader, Eddie Murphy, Andy Samberg, Kenan Thompson, Maya Rudolph, and many more, celebrating the show’s rich history and cultural impact.
“While many fans are familiar with iconic SNL moments featuring stars like Elvis Costello, Prince, or the Beastie Boys, these highlights represent just the surface of a much larger narrative,” Questlove expressed in a press statement. “Reviewing the incredible archival footage felt like traveling through time, reminiscent of a journey in a DeLorean. I am thrilled to have embarked on this adventure and now have the opportunity to share these remarkable insights and stories with everyone.” This sentiment captures the essence of the documentary—an exploration of the vast legacy of SNL that goes beyond the well-known performances.
Mark your calendars for the premiere of Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music, which will air on January 27 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Following its television debut, the documentary will be available for streaming the next day on Peacock. This film is part of a broader collection of celebratory programming commemorating the show’s remarkable history, including the exciting four-part series SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night, which premieres on January 16, and a live primetime special scheduled for February 16, available on both NBC and Peacock.