New Film Explores SNL's Chaotic Origins

Jason Reitman's new film 'Saturday Night' captures the chaotic moments leading up to the first broadcast of 'Saturday Night Live' in 1975, highlighting its creative and tumultuous backstage environment. The film revisits the origins of the show, initially called 'NBC's Saturday Night' due to naming rights issues, and features portrayals of the original cast such as Chevy Chase and John Belushi by today's actors. This depiction is a docudrama set in New York, reflecting the cultural landscape of the 1970s. The film is highly anticipated, with screenings across various theaters, and promises to mix humor with tension, similar to an action movie. This period marked a pivotal shift in late-night television, driven by Johnny Carson's request for more time off, leading to the creation of SNL. The film is part of a broader trend of 1970s-themed releases in theaters this week.