Saturday Night Ending Explained – The Birth of Saturday Night Live
On October 11, 1975, television history was about to be made, but behind the scenes, chaos reigned. NBC was minutes away from launching a new live show, “Saturday Night Live,” an ambitious and unpolished comedy series helmed by the young producer Lorne Michaels. Jason Reitman’s film, “Saturday Night,” is a biographical comedy-drama that explores the tension, creativity, and resilience behind that historic night. With an ensemble cast and a mix of real-life events and dramatization, “Saturday Night” takes us on a rollercoaster ride into the world of high-stakes television.
The Cast: A Powerhouse of Talent “Saturday Night” boasts one of the most impressive casts of 2024, featuring rising stars and seasoned veterans alike. Gabriel LaBelle, known for his role in “The Fabelmans,” plays a young, determined Lorne Michaels, trying to manage the eccentricities of his newly assembled comedy troupe. Rachel Sennott, from “Bottoms,” shines as Rosie Shuster, Lorne’s partner in both life and the creative chaos that unfolds. Emmy winners like Nicholas Braun (“Succession”) and Lamorne Morris (“Fargo”) join the fray, while Oscar-winner J.K. Simmons (“Whiplash”) and Willem Dafoe (“Poor Things”) add gravitas to the ensemble.
The film showcases the tension between Michaels and the network, the unpredictable antics of the cast, and the hurdles they face just moments before going live. Chevy Chase’s famous line, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday night!” is delivered with gusto, signaling the start of a comedic revolution.
From Telluride to Theaters: A Warm Reception “Saturday Night” premiered at the 51st Telluride Film Festival on August 31, 2024, and opened in theaters on October 11, 2024, exactly 49 years after the debut of “Saturday Night Live.” The film received critical acclaim, earning an 80% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with an even more impressive 92% audience rating. It’s clear that the film resonated with both fans of the long-running show and newcomers alike.
Capturing the Chaos of SNL’s Origins The film takes audiences back to the night of the very first episode of “Saturday Night Live.” Set in NBC Studios, the story is told through the frantic 90 minutes leading up to the show’s 11:30 PM debut. As Lorne Michaels and his team scramble to finalize scripts, complete costume changes, and wrangle unruly cast members, the tension builds. But Reitman masterfully captures not only the chaos but also the camaraderie and creative spirit that fuelled the show’s success.
While “Saturday Night” does deviate from factual accounts for the sake of entertainment, the core of the story remains true: the unrelenting determination of Lorne Michaels and the daring creativity of his cast. It’s a testament to the revolutionary nature of “Saturday Night Live” and the resilience of those who made it happen.
Dave Tebet’s Role in Shaping SNL Willem Dafoe delivers a powerful performance as Dave Tebet, NBC’s former VP of Talent Relations, who played a key role in the show’s last-minute decision to go live. Tebet is portrayed as a looming figure, testing Michaels’ vision and determination. His initial skepticism mirrors the concerns of many NBC executives who expected the show to fail. Yet, it’s Tebet who ultimately gives Michaels the green light moments before the cameras roll, signifying a reluctant but crucial belief in the show’s potential.
How Andy Kaufman and Garrett Morris Sealed the Deal The film also highlights the critical moments that convinced the network of the show’s worth. One such moment comes when Andy Kaufman, played by Nicholas Braun, performs his iconic “Mighty Mouse” sketch, which instantly wins over the skeptical NBC executives. Garrett Morris also plays a key role in cementing the show’s identity, with his spontaneous performance of an explicit parody song leaving the room in stitches. These moments exemplify the unpredictable and boundary-pushing nature of the show, which has been a hallmark of “Saturday Night Live” ever since.
John Belushi: The Wildcard John Belushi, portrayed by Matt Wood, is another central figure in the film. Known for his larger-than-life personality, Belushi’s erratic behaviour is a source of constant anxiety for Michaels. In one fictionalized scene, Belushi is found ice skating in a bumblebee costume just 20 minutes before the show is set to air. It’s a clear test of Michaels’ authority and patience. But when Michaels supports Belushi’s antics, it marks a turning point in their relationship, solidifying Belushi’s loyalty to the show.
The Cold Open That Started It All The film also pays homage to the now-iconic “Saturday Night Live” cold open. The very first episode began with John Belushi and Michael O’Donoghue in “The Wolverines” sketch, which kicked off with 15 seconds of dead air. While it was an unpolished and seemingly risky move, it set the tone for the show’s irreverent and daring nature. The cold open has since become one of the show’s most beloved traditions, still in use 50 seasons later.
Lorne Michaels’ Vision: A Legacy Born in Chaos At its core, “Saturday Night” is about the power of vision and persistence. Lorne Michaels, despite facing insurmountable challenges and constant doubts, never wavered in his belief that his show could change television forever. The film captures the frantic energy of that first night, but it also celebrates the brilliance of the idea that sparked “Saturday Night Live” and its enduring legacy.
The Final Act: A Test of Trust and Creativity In the closing moments of the film, we see how Lorne Michaels’ trust in his team pays off. One of the most touching scenes comes when he and his wife, Rosie, convince John Belushi to sign his contract just minutes before air. It’s a moment of vulnerability for Belushi, who had long been skeptical of NBC’s corporate structure. But with Rosie’s support, he finally gives in, a testament to Michaels’ leadership and his ability to inspire even the most rebellious of talents.
Rosie Shuster: A Creative Force of Her Own While Lorne Michaels is the film’s central figure, his wife, Rosie Shuster, played by Rachel Sennott, is given her own moment in the spotlight. Shuster, a well-known comedy writer in her own right, chose to be credited under her original surname rather than as “Rosie Michaels.” This decision reflects her desire to be seen as an individual and not merely as the producer’s wife. It’s a small but significant detail that underscores the film’s theme of creative independence and integrity.
The Legacy of “Saturday Night Live” As the credits roll, viewers are left with a deep appreciation for the cultural phenomenon that “Saturday Night Live” has become. What started as a risky, late-night experiment has turned into a 50-season-long institution, launching the careers of countless comedians and shaping the landscape of American comedy.
FAQ Section:
1. Is “Saturday Night” a true story? While “Saturday Night” is based on real events surrounding the first episode of “Saturday Night Live,” the film takes creative liberties to heighten the drama and tension. Some scenes are fictionalized for storytelling purposes.
2. Who plays Lorne Michaels in “Saturday Night”? Gabriel LaBelle stars as Lorne Michaels, the ambitious producer who created “Saturday Night Live.”
3. How accurate is the portrayal of the first SNL episode? The film captures the overall chaos and high stakes of the night, but some details, like John Belushi ice skating in a bumblebee costume, are exaggerated or fictionalized.
4. What is the significance of the cold open in “Saturday Night”? The cold open, featuring John Belushi in “The Wolverines,” is significant because it marked the start of a tradition that continues on “Saturday Night Live” to this day.
5. Why did Rosie Shuster choose not to use the name “Michaels”? In the film, Rosie Shuster chooses to be credited under her maiden name to assert her independence and individuality as a comedy writer.
