Saturday Night
★★★
As a lifelong Saturday Night Live nerd—like, the “Chris Farley, David Spade, Adam Sandler” era kind of obsessed—this movie had its hooks in me from the start. Jason Reitman’s Saturday Night isn’t just a nostalgia trip; it’s a chaotic, behind-the-scenes sprint through the hours leading up to that very first live show that changed comedy—and late-night TV—forever.
Reitman, pulling from his own comedy pedigree (the son of Ivan Reitman), takes a bold swing here, staging this film in nearly real-time. It’s a stylistic choice that captures the frenzy and raw nerves of launching a new kind of television. It’s also an obvious love letter released alongside SNL’s 50th anniversary, because of course it is.
As a director, Reitman’s always had a deft touch with drama-comedy blends, and that’s on display here. There’s tension, there’s humor, there’s heart—but here’s the thing: if you don’t already care about SNL, this might feel more like a highlight reel for superfans than a fully satisfying movie.
So much of the film banks on your prior knowledge of the cast and crew. It rewards you for recognizing moments that will become iconic (like Chevy Chase’s pratfalls or Belushi’s rebellious streak) but rarely gives newcomers enough context to care. The film also leans hard into the mythology—maybe too hard—trying to cram all the behind-the-scenes chaos, rivalries and epiphanies into a single night. It’s fun, but implausible, and that might nag at you if you’re hoping for something more grounded.
That said, the performances are fantastic. Gabriel LaBelle (Lorne Michaels) nails that soft-spoken-yet-steely vibe, giving us a glimpse into what it takes to steer a creative ship through a storm. And thankfully, none of the famous impersonations dip into full caricature—they feel lived-in and respectful.
Is it perfect? No. But it’s an affectionate, technically ambitious tribute to a weird, risky TV experiment that became a cultural institution. It’s messy, occasionally indulgent, but undeniably made with love. And if you’ve ever stayed up too late watching reruns or quoting your favorite sketches—this one’s for you, though you may discover some disappointment.
