Feature Photo: Randy Miramontez / Shutterstock.com
There was a time before MTV emerged in the early 1980s when the only music seen on television came from late-night talk show performances or live performances on programs like The Midnight Special, Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert, and occasional rock concerts or other late-night music shows. However, perhaps the most exciting music performances on television were the live appearances by the hottest bands of the time on Saturday Night Live. NBC is preparing to spotlight Saturday Night Live‘s five-decade legacy with a unique tribute, Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music.
Premiering on January 27, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and streaming the next day on Peacock, this three-hour documentary celebrates the show’s unparalleled history of live musical performances. Directed by Grammy and Academy Award winner Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Oz Rodriguez, the special will explore the synergy of music and comedy that has defined SNL since its inception in 1975. Produced by Two One Five Entertainment, RadicalMedia, and Broadway Video, the documentary promises a behind-the-scenes look at how iconic performances came to life.
Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music will feature interviews with over 50 key figures, including music legends like Paul Simon, Billie Eilish, Mick Jagger, and Jack White, alongside show alumni such as Eddie Murphy, Maya Rudolph, and Kenan Thompson. These voices will share the untold stories behind unforgettable performances and the creative process that elevated SNL into a cultural institution. Questlove expressed his excitement, saying, “Exploring the archives felt like a journey through time. The energy, the stories, and the moments we uncovered were incredible. I’m thrilled to bring this to audiences.”
The celebration doesn’t stop with this documentary. Ahead of the premiere, Peacock will launch SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night, a four-part series streaming from January 16, offering an inside look at the show’s production and cultural impact. The festivities will culminate in a live primetime event on February 16, uniting music, comedy, and nostalgia for an unforgettable celebration of SNL’s enduring influence.
Executive producers Lorne Michaels, Questlove, and an esteemed team of creatives have shaped this retrospective to honor the show’s iconic musical legacy. Combining unseen footage, compelling interviews, and moments that defined generations, Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music is poised to capture the magic of the intersection of music and comedy like never before.