The much-anticipated film Saturday Night, which explores the behind-the-scenes chaos of the first-ever Saturday Night Live episode, has just dropped its first trailer. Directed by Jason Reitman, this movie—previously known as SNL 1975—offers a dramatized look at the historic launch of the iconic sketch comedy show.
The trailer showcases Gabriel LaBelle as Lorne Michaels, the visionary behind SNL, as he navigates the intense pressure leading up to the show’s premiere. “It doesn’t matter that we’re ready, it matters that it’s 11:30,” he asserts, echoing Michaels’ well-known motto. The clip also features Cory Michael Smith as Chevy Chase, Matt Wood as John Belushi, and Nicholas Braun as Jim Henson, among others.
Saturday Night delves into the creative frenzy and dramatic moments that unfolded before SNL’s debut. Based on interviews with surviving cast members and behind-the-scenes insiders, the film provides a fictionalized account of the groundbreaking show’s early days. The official synopsis reads:
“On October 11th, 1975, a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television forever. This is the true story of what happened behind the scenes in the moments leading up to the first broadcast of SNL. Experience the chaos and magic of a revolution that almost wasn’t, as we countdown the minutes to the infamous words, ‘Live From New York, it’s Saturday Night.’”
