Legendary “Saturday Night Live” writer Jim Downey is the subject of a new documentary coming to Peacock on Oct. 17.
Titled “Downey Wrote That,” the hour-long film will highlight the sketches, comedic voice and enduring influence of the longest-running writer in the history of “SNL.” Downey joined the show in its second season in 1976 and wrote for 30 seasons across four stints at Studio 8H. He is known as the “behind-the-scenes comedic architect” of the “SNL,” who wrote some of the show’s most iconic sketches, quotable lines and biting political satire. He is a five-time Emmy Award winner for his work on the show, which includes the 50th anniversary special in 2025.
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“Downey Wrote That” features interviews with “SNL” alumni and other comedy figures. In alphabetical order: Fred Armisen, Andy Breckman, Dana Carvey, Greg Daniels, Will Forte, Al Franken, Bill Hader, Darrell Hammond, David Letterman, Jon Lovitz, Seth Meyers, Lorne Michaels, Garrett Morris, John Mulaney, Laraine Newman, Conan O’Brien, Bob Odenkirk, Lawrence O’Donnell, Maya Rudolph, Molly Shannon, Martin Short, Robert Smigel, David Spade, Emily Spivey, Ben Stiller and Kenan Thompson.
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Downey is the mastermind behind the “Chippendales” sketch, much of Dana Carvey’s work as George W. Bush and Norm Macdonald’s provocative O.J. Simpson material on “Weekend Update.” Outside of “SNL,” Downey had memorable acting roles as the principal in “Billy Madison” and, recently, as the “Christmas Adventurer” Sandy Irvine in “One Battle After Another.”
The doc is produced by Broadway Video in association with Universal Television Alternative Studio, a division of Universal Studio Group. Michaels executive produces alongside Susan Morrison, Andy Breckman, Erin David, Eddie Michaels, Oz Rodriguez and Brent Hodge. Derik Murray and Brian Gersh co-executive produce.
“SNL” returned to NBC on Saturday, Oct. 4, with host Bad Bunny and musical guest Doja Cat. Next week will feature Amy Poehler with music at Role Model, and then Sabrina Carpenter will pull double-duty on Oct. 18.