Screenplay data
In 1975, Lorne Michaels, a visionary producer, anxiously prepares to launch a new late-night sketch comedy show, *Saturday Night Live*, at Rockefeller Center, facing skepticism from NBC executives like Dick Ebersol and Dave Tebet. The production is plagued by chaos, including a lighting boom crash during rehearsals, erratic behavior from cast members like John Belushi and Chevy Chase, and clashes between head writer Michael O'Donoghue and network standards. Lorne struggles to manage the diverse and often difficult cast, including Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, Garrett Morris, Jane Curtin, and Laraine Newman, while also dealing with the eccentric performance artist Andy Kaufman and the demands of the network. As the live premiere approaches, Lorne navigates last-minute crises, such as a physical altercation between Belushi and Chase, a work freeze in the studio, and the unexpected appearance of a llama, all while trying to secure contracts and maintain his creative vision. Despite the overwhelming pressure and numerous setbacks, Lorne pushes through, ultimately delivering a successful and groundbreaking live show that captivates the audience and launches a new era of television comedy.
Save the Cat beat sheet
SNL 1975 follows Lorne Michaels as he navigates the chaos of launching a live comedy show, balancing creative demands, network pressures, and eccentric performers.
Open full beat sheetLorne Michaels is listed as Producer. 29 years old, anxious, visionary, determined to launch the show. In the parsed data, Lorne Michaels is connected to 49 scenes, 39 dialogue lines, 40 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.
49 scenes / 39 dialogue linesDick Ebersol is listed as NBC Junior Executive. 27 years old, sports broadcasting background, pragmatic, conflicted. In the parsed data, Dick Ebersol is connected to 16 scenes, 12 dialogue lines, 12 text mentions, first appearing around scene 3.
16 scenes / 12 dialogue linesJohn Belushi is listed as Cast Member. 26 years old, moody, intense, talented, prone to erratic behavior. In the parsed data, John Belushi is connected to 15 scenes, 24 dialogue lines, 24 text mentions, first appearing around scene 13.
15 scenes / 24 dialogue linesRosie Shuster is listed as Writer. Buoyant, sharp, close to Lorne. In the parsed data, Rosie Shuster is connected to 14 scenes, first appearing around scene 6.
14 scenes / 0 dialogue linesChevy Chase is listed as Cast Member. 31 years old, cocky, physical comedian, ambitious. In the parsed data, Chevy Chase is connected to 13 scenes, 15 dialogue lines, 15 text mentions, first appearing around scene 6.
13 scenes / 15 dialogue linesDan Aykroyd is listed as Cast Member. 22 years old, intense, high-energy, dedicated to his craft. In the parsed data, Dan Aykroyd is connected to 12 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 9.
12 scenes / 2 dialogue linesMichael O'Donoghue is listed as Head Writer. Dark, cynical, uncompromising, prince of darkness. In the parsed data, Michael O'Donoghue is connected to 11 scenes, 25 dialogue lines, 26 text mentions, first appearing around scene 21.
11 scenes / 25 dialogue linesAlan Zweibel is listed as Writer. 23 years old, deli worker, prolific joke writer. In the parsed data, Alan Zweibel is connected to 11 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 48.
11 scenes / 4 dialogue linesGilda Radner is listed as Cast Member. 29 years old, energetic, observant, beloved by the crew. In the parsed data, Gilda Radner is connected to 11 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 8.
11 scenes / 4 dialogue linesGarrett Morris is listed as Cast Member. 37 years old, playwright, feels like an outsider. In the parsed data, Garrett Morris is connected to 8 scenes, 6 dialogue lines, 6 text mentions, first appearing around scene 30.
8 scenes / 6 dialogue linesLaraine Newman is listed as Cast Member. 23 years old, insecure, talented. In the parsed data, Laraine Newman is connected to 8 scenes, first appearing around scene 6.
8 scenes / 0 dialogue linesDave Tebet is listed as NBC Head of Talent. Powerful, skeptical, influential. In the parsed data, Dave Tebet is connected to 7 scenes, 18 dialogue lines, 20 text mentions, first appearing around scene 21.
7 scenes / 18 dialogue linesAndy Kaufman is listed as Entertainer. Eccentric, performance artist, often stays in character. In the parsed data, Andy Kaufman is connected to 7 scenes, first appearing around scene 2.
7 scenes / 0 dialogue linesJane Curtin is listed as Cast Member. 28 years old, talented, professional. In the parsed data, Jane Curtin is connected to 7 scenes, first appearing around scene 6.
7 scenes / 0 dialogue linesGeorge Carlin is listed as Host. 40 years old, legendary comedian, initially difficult. In the parsed data, George Carlin is connected to 6 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 41.
6 scenes / 1 dialogue linesJoan Carbunkle is listed as NBC Standards. Matronly, censorious, religious. In the parsed data, Joan Carbunkle is connected to 3 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 7.
3 scenes / 1 dialogue linesExecutives watch original SNL screen tests while discussing ratings and the show's potential.
Lorne Michaels waits outside 30 Rock, meets an NBC Page, and greets Andy Kaufman who arrives with his mother.
Lorne Michaels, Andy KaufmanLorne and Andy enter the lobby and encounter security guards before being rescued by Dick Ebersol.
Lorne Michaels, Andy Kaufman, Dick EbersolLorne, Andy, and Ebersol discuss the show's production demands and the llama.
Lorne Michaels, Andy Kaufman, Dick EbersolLorne and Ebersol discuss the sound system and production logistics.
Lorne Michaels, Andy Kaufman, Dick EbersolLorne navigates the chaotic hallway, checking on cast members and production progress.
Lorne Michaels, Dick Ebersol, Andy Kaufman, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Gilda RadnerLorne enters the control room to check on the director and production status.
Lorne Michaels, Michael O'Donoghue, Joan CarbunkleRehearsals for the Home Security sketch are underway; Gilda and Belushi interact while the crew manages lighting and set construction.
Gilda Radner, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Dave TebetThe production team monitors the rehearsal; Dan Aykroyd struggles to enter through a heavy door.
Dan Aykroyd, Michael O'DonoghueA lighting boom crashes during the rehearsal, causing chaos; Lorne manages the crew and actors.
Lorne Michaels, Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Jane CurtinGarrett Morris interacts with Jim Henson and Billy Preston's band.
Garrett MorrisRosie Shuster navigates the hallway with a wardrobe rack.
Rosie ShusterRosie brings the bee costume to Belushi.
Rosie Shuster, John Belushi, Laraine NewmanAykroyd interacts with Laraine in the hallway.
Dan Aykroyd, Laraine NewmanRosie checks in on the New Dad edit.
Rosie Shuster, John BelushiLorne and Rosie discuss the show and Belushi's behavior.
Lorne Michaels, Rosie ShusterLorne and Rosie review the New Dad edit.
Lorne Michaels, Rosie ShusterLorne encounters Belushi and the writers prepping a new sketch.
Lorne Michaels, John Belushi, Dan AykroydLorne and Ebersol discuss the show's standards.
Lorne Michaels, Dick EbersolLorne and Ebersol approach the Green Room.
Lorne Michaels, Dick EbersolLorne enters the green room to greet affiliates while Chevy and O'Donoghue perform a chaotic sketch on stage.
Lorne Michaels, Dick Ebersol, Chevy Chase, Michael O'Donoghue, Dave TebetLorne objects to applause lights while Tebet recruits Chevy.
Lorne Michaels, Chevy Chase, Dave TebetTebet, Ebersol, Lorne, Chevy, and O'Donoghue ride the elevator and discuss the show's tone.
Lorne Michaels, Dick Ebersol, Chevy Chase, Michael O'Donoghue, Dave TebetChaos in the writers' room as O'Donoghue clashes with NBC standards.
Lorne Michaels, Dick Ebersol, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Gilda Radner, Michael O'DonoghueEbersol tries to push live commercials on Lorne.
Lorne Michaels, Dick EbersolLorne intervenes in a fight between Leo and security.
Lorne Michaels, Dick EbersolLorne and Ebersol argue about the use of real bricks for the set.
Lorne Michaels, Dick Ebersol, Andy KaufmanFinal preparations for the show as Carlin prepares to host.
Lorne Michaels, Garrett Morris, Jane Curtin, Joan Carbunkle, George CarlinBilly Crystal and Valri play a game while Lorne struggles with the run of show.
Lorne MichaelsBelushi gets into a physical altercation with Chevy Chase while Lorne tries to get him to sign his contract.
John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Gilda Radner, Jane Curtin, Laraine Newman, Lorne MichaelsLorne investigates why the music stopped.
Lorne MichaelsLorne finds the studio in a work freeze and forces a rehearsal of Weekend Update.
Lorne Michaels, Dick Ebersol, John Belushi, Michael O'Donoghue, George CarlinLorne encounters Jim Henson in the stairwell.
Lorne Michaels, Alan ZweibelLorne takes a phone call from Johnny Carson.
Lorne Michaels, Dick Ebersol, John BelushiNeil searches for Belushi and gets high with the band.
Alan ZweibelGarrett Morris expresses his insecurities about being an outsider to Gilda Radner.
Garrett Morris, Gilda RadnerA disoriented Neil wanders the hallway.
Alan Zweibel, Garrett Morris, Gilda Radner, Chevy ChaseLorne meets Milton Berle and Dave Tebet.
Lorne Michaels, Dave Tebet, George CarlinThe cast gathers outside the room where Neil is locked in.
Gilda Radner, Alan Zweibel, Dan Aykroyd, Chevy ChaseLorne navigates the chaotic 6th floor hallway.
Lorne MichaelsLorne recruits Carl the lighting assistant.
Lorne Michaels, Alan ZweibelLorne trips over a product display.
Lorne MichaelsBilly Crystal and Valri Bromfield discuss their set timing.
Chevy ChaseRehearsal chaos and character interactions.
Lorne Michaels, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, Jane CurtinLorne hires Alan Zweibel as a writer for the show.
Lorne Michaels, Alan ZweibelLorne cuts the toga sketch and negotiates with Billy Crystal.
Lorne Michaels, Laraine Newman, Chevy ChaseLorne and Ebersol argue about the show's viability.
Lorne Michaels, Dick EbersolLorne is covered in fake blood.
Lorne MichaelsLorne meets Jim Henson.
Lorne MichaelsLorne wanders the street after the blood incident.
Lorne MichaelsLorne meets Alan Zweibel.
Lorne Michaels, Alan ZweibelLorne and Alan walk back to the NBC building while discussing ideas.
Lorne Michaels, Alan ZweibelLorne finds Belushi and Gilda at the ice rink.
Lorne Michaels, John Belushi, Gilda RadnerLorne meets Rosie in the elevator lobby.
Lorne Michaels, Rosie ShusterLorne and Rosie discuss the upcoming show.
Lorne Michaels, Rosie ShusterLorne checks on the waiting audience.
Lorne MichaelsThe crew prepares for the live show while Lorne faces pressure from NBC executives.
Lorne Michaels, Andy Kaufman, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Gilda Radner, Dan AykroydFinal preparations before the show goes live.
Lorne Michaels, Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin, Laraine NewmanLorne watches as O'Donoghue and Belushi perform a bizarre sketch for the live audience, which is met with laughter and success.
Lorne Michaels, Dick Ebersol, John Belushi, Michael O'Donoghue, Chevy Chase, Rosie ShusterLorne checks on George Carlin.
Lorne Michaels, Dan Aykroyd, George CarlinFinal moments before the show starts.
Lorne Michaels, Michael O'DonoghueLorne encounters a llama.
Lorne MichaelsThe show goes live.
Lorne Michaels, Michael O'Donoghue, Rosie Shuster, Dave Tebet, George CarlinThe show begins with O'Donoghue and Belushi.
Lorne Michaels, John Belushi, Michael O'DonoghueStop. Don't say another word. Don't question another instinct. Ebersol, we're standing in the presence of a prophet. A man with a vision... I want you to take that vision like a Sherman Tank and plow it through any fuck who gets in your way. Even me.
We have a great show for you tonight... George Carlin... the great Billy Preston. Next week, my good friend Paul Simon hosting... Look, there has never been a show made for and by the generation that was raised by television...
Thank you Chevy. I'm certain you all know Mr. Rogers, perhaps the most kind and gentle man on television. This is my impression of Mr. Rogers plunging eighteen inch steel sewing needles into his eyes.
Hi there! Please don't be alarmed, this is only a simulated assault and burglary, I repeat, this is a simulated assault and burglary. This could happen to you at any time, in fact it just has.
We have many talented improvisors from Toronto and Chicago and I'm sure they'll find their way on to the program, but yes, I think you'll be seeing me fairly regularly.
Our top story tonight, some world news: Japan Emperor Hirohito met Mickey Mouse at Disneyland this week. The Emperor presented Mickey with a Hirohito wristwatch.
Okay... Great, because I always saw this as a collision that erupts from every screen in America. A prism that captures the light of an emerging generation...
Let me introduce you to our head writer, the prince of darkness... My husband... My lover... Michael O'Donoghue. I hear you have a little impression for us.
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