Do not confuse this with the recent film about the first night of SNL (my review). This features FOUR one-hour documentaries covering different aspects of the show’s 50 years. Each one also feels like a separate movie, because they all approach their subjects differently.
The first one may be the best: It covers the audition process with clips and interviews. Only down side is that it primarily features newer cast members. (Perhaps there wasn’t good footage of the older ones.)
The second revolves around the writing process, which is a fascinating whirlwind process.
Third only covers the cowbell sketch with Christopher Walken. I didn’t remember it and didn’t realize it had become an iconic moment, so it was informative at best (and I didn’t find the sketch that funny).
Finally, the focus is on the 11th season, when Lorne Michaels returned to the show with an all-new, unexperienced cast. The history surrounding that season and the 12th was new to me and proved pivotal in the show’s development. The Twilight Zone narrative was just dumb.
Overall, numerous cast members, producers and writers are featured with entertaining stories. If you’re a fan of the show this may prove enjoyable. Or you could just pick one installment that interests you, because they don’t depend on each other for understanding. 
(3 / 5)
