The Chaos of SNL’s First Episode

While I haven’t seen much of Saturday Night Live (SNL), I know its legacy—launching the careers of comedy legends like Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd, and even Jim Henson, whose early skits paved the way for The Muppet Show.

But how did it all start? Saturday Night dives into the hectic birth of SNL’s very first episode on October 11, 1975, where no one—not even the studio execs—knew what they were in for.

One moment sums up the insanity best: The execs demand to see a cut of the show before it airs. The response? "You’ll see it in 88 minutes." And that's where this flick kicks off.

A Fly-on-the-Wall Experience

The film takes an unfiltered, documentary-style approach, making you feel like you’re right there in the madness. The grainy ’70s-era filter adds to the authenticity, throwing you into a time capsule of frenzied creatives, last-minute rewrites, and actors barely holding it together.

And then there’s John Belushi, portrayed by Matt Wood, stomping around the set, being an absolute d*ck to everyone… but in a bee costume. It's so random, and you never know what chaos is coming around the corner next.

The film also brings to life other key figures from Saturday Night Live’s early days, with Nicholas Braun (Succession) pulling double duty as both Jim Henson and the eccentric Andy Kaufman, while Gabriel LaBelle steps into the shoes of SNL creator Lorne Michaels. Cory Michael Smith takes on the role of the ever-sarcastic Chevy Chase, and Ella Hunt embodies the comedic brilliance of Gilda Radner, capturing the energy of a cast that was about to change television forever. Dylan O’Brien slips into the role of Dan Aykroyd, rocking a tight red singlet and short denim shorts that are, quite frankly, a sight to behold—big woof.

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Pacing – Fast, Chaotic, and Just a Bit Uneven

At 1 hour 45 minutes, the movie moves at a chaotic but engaging pace, mirroring the pressure-cooker environment of the SNL set. While some moments drag a little, the constant flow of mishaps, rewrites, and existential panic keeps the energy high.

Where Saturday Night Delivers—and Where It Doesn't

✅ Captures the pure madness of live TV production
✅ Engaging fly-on-the-wall documentary style
✅ Hilariously absurd moments (Jim Belushi’s bee costume antics)
✅ The ‘70s aesthetic feels authentic and immersive
❌ Some slow moments disrupt the otherwise frantic pacing

Is Saturday Night worth watching?

I enjoyed Saturday Night more than I thought I would. The trailer had me keen from the start, but lately, trailers and final films don’t always line up—this one did, and I’m glad for it. While it’s hard to say how much was exaggerated for drama, the film does a great job of capturing the sheer insanity of pulling off a live variety show for the first time. The mix of humor, stress, and total chaos makes for an entertaining watch.