Saturday Night, a 2024 American biographical comedy-drama film directed by Jason Reitman, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the moments leading up to the 1975 premiere of NBC’s iconic Saturday Night Live.
With its talented ensemble cast and focus on recreating the birth of one of television’s most legendary shows, the film immerses viewers in both the energy and uncertainty of that unforgettable night.
Where Was Saturday Night Filmed?
Filming for Saturday Night took place in a few key locations that helped set the stage for the dramatic and comedic retelling of the lead-up to Saturday Night Live’s premiere. Here’s a breakdown of the primary filming locations used in the movie.
Atlanta, Georgia
The film’s principal photography kicked off in Atlanta, Georgia, in March 2024. A significant portion of the movie was shot here, with Atlanta standing in for various interior scenes that recreate the look and feel of the NBC studios during the 1970s. The city’s diverse architectural styles allowed the filmmakers to replicate the energy of mid-1970s New York, blending historical charm with urban grit.
Fayetteville, Georgia
In addition to Atlanta, nearby Fayetteville also served as a key filming location. The town’s versatile film production facilities allowed for the recreation of multiple studio sets and interiors, giving the filmmakers control over the period-accurate look they were aiming for. Fayetteville has become a popular filming hub for many major productions, thanks to its state-of-the-art facilities and tax incentives for film crews.
New York City, New York
Of course, no film about the early days of Saturday Night Live would be complete without filming in New York City itself. The filmmakers took to the streets of Manhattan, including Rockefeller Plaza, which is famously home to NBC Studios and the birthplace of Saturday Night Live.
On the weekend of March 9–10, 2024, scenes were shot outside Rockefeller Plaza, capturing the authentic atmosphere of this iconic location, closely tied to the show’s history. The sight of the Plaza instantly transports viewers to the bustling New York scene of the 1970s, adding an air of realism to the film’s historical narrative.
When Did the Filming of Saturday Night Take Place?
Filming for Saturday Night began in March 2024 and wrapped up in May 2024. The production team worked efficiently to recreate the atmosphere of 1970s New York and the frenetic energy of the premiere night of Saturday Night Live. This tight shooting schedule helped the filmmakers capture the intensity and anticipation of the lead-up to the historic broadcast.
Frequently Asked Questions-
Q: Where was Saturday Night filmed?
A: Saturday Night was primarily filmed in Atlanta and Fayetteville, Georgia.
Q: When did the filming of Saturday Night take place?
A: Filming for Saturday Night took place between March and May of 2024.
Q: Where were the NBC and Saturday Night Live scenes filmed?
A: Scenes related to NBC and Saturday Night Live were filmed outside Rockefeller Plaza in New York City, where the show has been produced since its inception in 1975.
Q: What is Saturday Night about?
A: Saturday Night is a biographical comedy-drama that tells the story of the 90 minutes leading up to the premiere of Saturday Night Live in 1975, focusing on the behind-the-scenes antics and personalities that would go on to shape the show’s legendary first season.
Q: Is Saturday Night based on a true story?
A: Saturday Night is inspired by true events but modifies them to fit into the narrative.