John Mulaney is a well known comedian, writer, and actor whose work is recognized through both standup routines and his work on various TV programs. More recently it is shown that his history within the TV show Saturday Night Live is a key topic that is currently being explored for a special.
Saturday Night Live Anniversary Specials
Saturday Night Live (SNL) is approaching their 50th anniversary which will bring a multi part celebration that will go into all corners of the shows iconic history. As part of that the 4 part docuseries “SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night” is premiering on Peacock giving insight on how the series has progressed throughout the years. The show itself will showcase multiple contributors with unique background in each element of TV.
Docuseries Details
"SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night" will provide viewers with a variety of previously unseen details along with interviews and backstage content. The docuseries is broken into a four part system with the intention of showcasing different areas of the show including writing, auditions and how skits come to life from initial inception. Along with all that the music elements of the series will be explored as well.
Episodes Exploring SNL's Inner Workings
Each part of the "SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night" series has a different focus which offers unique insight of SNL. This has made viewers anticipating more information regarding the popular show from various points of view.
Episode 1: The Audition Process
The first episode titled "Five Minutes" has never-before-seen footage which allows the viewing audience to go into auditions with personal stories about the entire experience along with how it felt being on stage. This exploration has brought out all areas from preparation to the initial performances.
Episode 2: The Writers Room
The second episode "Written By: A Week Inside The SNL Writers Room", is all about giving a behind the scenes look into the creative processes that the show has. These insights allow the viewer into the development from pitch to the final execution.
Episode 3: Making of “More Cowbell"
In episode 3, titled "More Cowbell" one of SNL's most legendary sketches will be thoroughly examined from initial concept to the cultural icon it has become today. Many individuals who helped make the sketch possible will be included to share the process along with various highlights and difficulties in achieving success.
Episode 4: Season 11 and New Directions
The last episode will explore the show's 11th season. It touches upon when Lorne Michaels returned and the different elements used to redirect the show while also building the strong base for its legacy. This gives a good comparison on older seasons to current ones so the growth and evolution of this show may be explored.
Additional Anniversary Events
Along with “SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night”, a primetime anniversary special “SNL50: The Anniversary Special" will air in February . In addition the series plans to do “Ladies & Gentlemen ... 50 Years of SNL Music" which dives deep into SNL’s iconic music guest performance.
Star Studded Celebration
This will have an approach where SNL highlights it's history over five decades. Including some fan favorites and notable talent it creates anticipation for viewers from across the generations.
John Mulaney’s Connection To SNL
John Mulaney, has been involved in many aspects of Saturday Night Live over the years which will also be documented in the series. He is known for appearing as writer on the show but also a notable guest as host many times. He was featured as the main host in one of the repeat episodes as well as a recent host in 2025 .
Host and Writer
Mulaney’s talent allows him the unique opportunity to come back as a host which showcases his ability to connect with the audience on another side of his unique ability to use humor. The different formats show the broad appeal for multiple segments of viewers.
Upcoming New Episodes of SNL
Along with the docuseries, and celebration shows the current season of SNL is also preparing new content which includes new guest appearances that are popular and notable for many viewers.
New Host and Guests
the show returns with new episodes and well known talents such as Dave Chappelle and Timothée Chalamet along with musical acts as well such as GloRilla are highlighted for upcoming performances. Those listed show that the program continues to bring well known acts of different styles for continued high popularity.
Accessibility and Streaming
For viewers there is more than one way to experience these different forms of content. All live events air on NBC as well as a streaming platform called Peacock with select events appearing after their premier date.
Multi-Platform Viewing
With all this being accessible over various methods of communications this highlights their commitment to the viewing audiences that are not able to be near television. With all the choices each person may experience their way through how they will receive all the planned events and program releases.
Key Takeaways
- "SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night" docuseries premiers on Peacock on January 16 with 4 episodes highlighting all the shows history.
- The show offers a detailed look at auditioning process to the writing format showcasing every detail of production that has brought the show through many decades of entertainment.
- SNL plans to showcase its historic 50 year mark through anniversary specials throughout the beginning of the new year.
- John Mulaney is showcased for his roles as writer and host as well as making an appearance on a previous episode aired before new episodes return.
- The new show structure will give additional new material and continue on to showcase various new and returning stars from TV music and film in future programming.