Watch Live From New York

Live From New York is a documentary film that takes you behind the scenes of the legendary comedy show Saturday Night Live. Directed by Bao Nguyen, the movie features interviews with actors, writers, and producers who have shaped the show's 40-year history. The film opens with footage of the 9/11 attacks, which occurred just a few days before the show's season premiere in 2001. SNL producer Lorne Michaels talks about the difficult decision to go ahead with the show, and how they used humor to cope with the tragedy. From there, the movie jumps back in time to the show's beginnings in 1975.

We hear from SNL alums like Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, and Laraine Newman, who talk about the wild and unpredictable early days of the show. Lorne Michaels himself is a prominent figure throughout the film, discussing his approach to comedy and the challenges of running a weekly live show.

The film also explores how SNL has always been on the cutting edge of political satire. It features clips of some of the show's most memorable political sketches, including Dana Carvey's George H.W. Bush impression and Tina Fey's portrayal of Sarah Palin. We also hear from Alec Baldwin, who has played Donald Trump on the show since the 2016 election.

One interesting aspect of the film is its examination of SNL's influence on pop culture. We see clips of sketches that have become a part of the cultural lexicon, such as "More Cowbell" and "The Coneheads." We also hear from musicians who have performed on the show, like Paul McCartney and Elvis Costello.

Another theme of the film is the lack of diversity on SNL, both in its early years and in more recent times. Cast members like Eddie Murphy and Chris Rock talk about how they had to fight for their place on the show, and we hear from current cast member Sasheer Zamata about the importance of representation.

One of the most interesting parts of the movie is its exploration of the creative process behind SNL. We see writers pitching ideas in the writers' room, and actors rehearsing sketches on the show's famously fast-paced schedule. The film also includes interviews with former writers like Anne Beatts, who talks about what it was like to be a woman in the male-dominated writers' room.

Overall, Live From New York is a fascinating look at one of the most important television shows of all time. It balances light-hearted nostalgia with more serious reflections on the show's impact and legacy. Whether you're a die-hard SNL fan or just someone who appreciates great comedy, this movie is definitely worth checking out.