Comedian Dan Aykroyd has high praise for the new film “Saturday Night,” which tells the story of the first episode of “Saturday Night Live.” Aykroyd was part of the original cast of NBC’s groundbreaking sketch comedy show when it debuted in 1975. After seeing director Jason Reitman’s movie at his local theater, Aykroyd called it a “stand-alone masterpiece” that accurately captures the intense process of creating the pioneering TV program.
Aykroyd took to the social media platform X to share his thoughts about “Saturday Night.” He said the film is “propulsive, engaging, funny, beautifully cast and acted, suspenseful, adventurous, [and] music-filled.” The movie veteran believes the film authentically portrays the frantic 90 minutes before the very first “SNL” broadcast. As an original cast member, Aykroyd felt like he “relived it wonderfully again” while watching Reitman’s movie. He encourages audiences to see the film “whether you know the show or not.”
The movie features Dylan O’Brien as Dan Aykroyd and an ensemble cast portraying the young comedians and writers who created “SNL.” Other actors play comedy icons like Gilda Radner, John Belushi, Lorne Michaels, and Andy Kaufman. Aykroyd said he was the only original crew member to read the screenplay in advance. He believes the film gives viewers “a perfect window” into the creative process that went into launching one of TV’s longest-running and most influential comedy programs.
Aykroyd has worked with director Jason Reitman’s father Ivan Reitman on two “Ghostbusters” films. Jason Reitman later directed Aykroyd in “Ghostbusters: Afterlife.” As “Saturday Night” opens in theaters, fans both new and old may take Aykroyd’s strong endorsement as a sign to experience this behind-the-scenes look at television comedy history.
