Saturday Night: A Backstage History of Saturday Night Live

The New 50th Anniversary Edition of Saturday Night

“It reads like a thriller, and may be the best book ever written about television.”
— Associated Press

“A chilling real-life cliffhanger.”
— Washington Post

“An anthropological masterpiece.”
— Vanity Fair

Discover the intimate and original history of Saturday Night Live in Saturday Night. From its rebellious beginnings as an outlaw comedy program produced by an unruly band of renegades to becoming a TV institution, this book captures it all. Learn how SNL created stars like John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Gilda Radner, Jane Curtin, Laraine Newman, Garrett Morris, Joe Piscopo, and Eddie Murphy.

This groundbreaking book reveals what really happened behind the scenes during the first ten years of Saturday Night Live. From battles with NBC to internal conflicts within the cast and crew, you'll uncover love affairs, betrayals, rivalries, drug problems, overnight successes, and bitter failures, all intertwined with the creation of some of the most original and outrageous comedy ever.

The reissue features nearly fifty photographs of the cast, crew, and sketches, providing a visual journey through the show's early years.

Written by Doug Hill and Jeff Weingrad, seasoned television journalists who have contributed to The Associated Press, The New York Times, New York Daily News, New York Post, TV Guide, Broadcasting/Cablecasting, and Advertising Age, this is the ultimate insider’s look at one of television’s most iconic shows.

Doug Hill and Jeff Weingrad are seasoned television journalists who have contributed to The Associated Press, The New York Times, New York Daily News, New York Post, TV Guide, Broadcasting/Cablecasting, and Advertising Age, this is the ultimate insider’s look at one of television’s most iconic shows.