What is SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night all about? Release date, where to watch, and more 

The new docuseries SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night offers an unprecedented look inside the making of this iconic show through a four-part docuseries. Created by Lorne Michaels, Saturday Night Live with its live sketches, satires, and performances has been running for over 50 years.

Premiering on Peacock on January 16, 2025 with its first episode Five Minutes, by Emmy-winner Robert Alexander, the show is set to offer a rare glimpse into the intense audition process, featuring footage and intimate stories from SNL legends.

Episode 2, Written By: A Week Inside the SNL Writers Room, by Academy Award winner Marshall Curry, follows one week in the life cycle of sketches, from pitch to production, and the highs and lows of bringing comedy to life.

Episode 3, More Cowbell, by Neil Berkeley, looks at how the classic eponymous sketch, featuring Will Ferrell and Christopher Walken, was made and why it almost did not make it onto the show. The final episode, Season 11: The Weird Year by Jason Zeldes looks at how that season defined SNL in a new way with casting such as Robert Downey Jr., Randy Quaid, and Anthony Michael Hall, and set up its legacy with Lorne Michaels.

SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night explores the creativity and behind-the-scenes work that has kept SNL a cultural phenomenon for half a century. The series features over 60 contributors, including SNL alumni and celebrity guests, offering an in-depth look into the show's history.

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SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night: When it will premiere and viewing options

SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night, the four-part docuseries, is set to premiere on January 16, 2025 only on Peacock. While the exact release time hasn't been specified, Peacock typically releases new content at 12 am Eastern Time.

Time Zone	Release Time
Eastern Time (ET)	12 am, January 16, 2025
Pacific Time (PT)	9 pm, January 15, 2025
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)	5 am, January 16, 2025
Central European Time (CET)	6 am, January 16, 2025
Indian Standard Time (IST)	10:30 am, January 16, 2025
China Standard Time (CST)	1 pm, January 16, 2025
Japan Standard Time (JST)	2 pm, January 16, 2025
Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT)	4 pm, January 16, 2025

Peacock serves as the exclusive platform for streaming SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night. It offers two subscription options:

• Premium Plan: Available at $7.99 per month, this plan includes advertisements.
• Premium Plus Plan: Priced at $13.99 per month, this option provides an ad-free viewing experience.

International availability and pricing:

While Peacock primarily operates within the United States, international audiences can access SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night through regional partnerships:

• United Kingdom and Ireland: Peacock's content is accessible via Sky TV and NOW, with varying prices based on the selected package.
• Germany and Austria: Viewers can access Peacock through Sky Deutschland with costs depending on the specific subscription.
• Other Regions: Availability and pricing are subject to regional differences. Checking with local service providers or broadcasters is recommended for precise details.

Alternative viewing options:

At present, SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night is exclusively available on Peacock. There are no announcements regarding its availability on traditional broadcast networks or other streaming platforms.

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SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night: Guest appearances

Each of the four parts of SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night will explore in details a different aspect of the program. The series features interviews with SNL alumni like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers, Fred Armisen, and Bill Hader. Each episode will also welcome these big stars as guests:

• Episode 1: Stephen Colbert, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Pete Davidson, and Tracy Morgan.
• Episode 2: Larry David, Bob Odenkirk, Sarah Silverman, and John Mulaney.
• Episode 3: Dana Carvey, Jimmy Fallon, and Dave Grohl.
• Episode 4: Archival footage of Lorne Michaels, Robert Downey Jr., and Tom Hanks.

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More about Saturday Night Live

Saturday Night Live (SNL) will return with new live episodes starting in January 2025. On January 18, comedian Dave Chappelle will host the show for the fourth time, bringing his signature sharp humor to Studio 8H. Joining him as the musical guest is rapper GloRilla, who will make her SNL debut with performances of her recent hits.

The following week, on January 25, actor Timothée Chalamet will take on double duty as both the host and musical guest. Chalamet, who recently portrayed Bob Dylan in the biopic A Complete Unknown, is set to perform Dylan covers from the movie's soundtrack, marking his first time in this dual role.

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Stay tuned for more updates.