Questlove Directing ‘Ladies & Gentlemen … 50 Years of SNL Music’ Documentary for NBC

“Saturday Night Live main stage by Steven Dahlman” by Steven Dahlman is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

In 2025, Saturday Night Live will celebrate 50 years on the air as a staple in living rooms across the country. In its reign, the iconic late-night variety show has earned consistent praise for its unforgettable sketches and its hand in launching the careers of countless beloved comedians. Less tribute has been paid to its music, which has been a crucial and innovative component of the program since its inception. Now, Questlove will set the record straight with Ladies & Gentlemen … 50 Years of SNL Music, an upcoming documentary celebrating the outstanding musical guests who have graced the stage at Studio 8H.

50 Years of SNL Music is a three-hour special surveying the rich history of performers who shaped the show, from Billy Preston’s spot on episode one to standout sets from Chappell Roan, Mk.gee, Stevie Nicks and more in Season 50 so far. The film promises backstage stories, legendary moments and, of course, top-tier performances from SNL’s massive archive.

Further insight will come from interviews with more than 50 icons who stopped in along the way. Among the musicians confirmed for comment are Dave Grohl, Mick Jagger, Paul Simon, Elvis Costello, Kacey Musgraves, Chris Stapleton, Dua Lipa, Justin Timberlake, MC Sha-Rack, Olivia Rodrigo, Bad Bunny, Debbie Harry & Chris Stein, Tom Morello and Jack White. A litany of comedians and cast members will also offer their recollections, including Fred Armisen, Conan O’Brien, Jane Curtin, Jimmy Fallon, Al Franken, Bill Hader, Melanie Malone, Tom Malone, Mary Ellen Matthews, Eddie Murphy, Ego Nwodim, Liz Patrick, Joe Piscopo, Andy Samberg, Paul Shaffer, Sarah Sherman, Kenan Thompson, Maya Rudolph, Bowen Yang and, finally, creator Lorne Michaels.

“Everyone knows the most famous ‘SNL’ appearances, whether it’s Elvis Costello, Prince or the Beastie Boys, but they’re the tip of a huge iceberg,” Questlove shared in a statement. “The process of going back through the incredible archival footage was like being in a time machine, DeLorean or other. I’m so happy I went on the trip and now get to share it with everyone.”

Ladies & Gentlemen…50 Years of SNL Music will premiere on NBC on January 27 and stream on Peacock on the following day. Read up on the musical guests scheduled for Season 50 here.