On Monday, Sony Pictures dropped a fresh trailer for Saturday Night, a film by Jason Reitman that delves into the chaotic days leading up to the very first episode of Saturday Night Live in 1975. The movie focuses on Lorne Michaels’ frantic efforts to bring the groundbreaking sketch show to life. Currently boasting an impressive 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film debuted at Telluride and has since adjusted its release schedule.
Release Date Update
Saturday Night is set to hit select theaters in Los Angeles, New York City, and Toronto on September 27. It will then expand to additional theaters on October 4, followed by a nationwide release on October 11.
A Comedic Revolution
The film, previously titled SNL 1975, tells the true story of how a group of young comedians and writers transformed television forever on October 11, 1975. It captures the tense, behind-the-scenes moments leading up to the live broadcast of Saturday Night Live’s very first episode. Highlighting the near-disasters and last-minute magic that defined the show’s launch. The iconic words, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night,” marked the beginning of a new era in entertainment.
An All-Star Cast and High Praise
Gabriel LaBelle, known for his breakout role in The Fabelmans, stars as SNL creator Lorne Michaels. The film’s ensemble cast has been widely praised, with Deadline’s Pete Hammond calling the movie “a masterful comedy” and even likening it to a suspense thriller. He described it as one of the best films about show business ever made, adding that Reitman’s direction kept everything together seamlessly, despite the film’s complex, high-stakes nature.
A Talented Ensemble Cast
Saturday Night boasts a star-studded cast, including Cooper Hoffman, Rachel Sennott, Cory Michael Smith, Lamorne Morris, Willem Dafoe, Dylan O’Brien, Finn Wolfhard, J.K. Simmons, Matthew Rhys, Tommy Dewey, and Nicholas Braun, among others.
Creative Team and Production
Jason Reitman co-wrote and directed the film alongside Gil Kenan. The two also produced Saturday Night with Jason Blumenfeld and Peter Rice. While Erica Mills and JoAnn Perritano served as executive producers.
SNL’s 50th Season Returns
In related news, Saturday Night Live will kick off its 50th season on September 28 on NBC. Coinciding with the film’s release, celebrating the show’s legacy and its lasting impact on comedy and television.
Check out the new trailer for Saturday Night here:
