Dan Aykroyd praises “Saturday Night” as a “masterpiece”

Saturday evening is in theaters now, and at least one person who was there gave it his seal of approval.

After watching the Jason Reitman directed film over the 90 minutes before the first one Saturday Night Live Aired in 1975, OG actor Dan Aykroyd shared a glowing review on social media on Friday, which also marked the 49th anniversary of the NBC sketch comedy show's debut.

“I hit my head to applaud Jason Reitman's triumph SNL Movie,” he wrote on X. “Wow! What a driving, captivating, funny, beautifully cast and acted, exciting, adventurous, music-filled ride. A perfect insight into the creative process at the highest level.”

Aykroyd added: “Pretty accurate too. I was there that evening and was able to experience it again wonderfully. Congratulations Gil (Kenan, co-writer), Jason and (producer Jason Blumenfeld). Don't miss it whether you know the show or not. It’s a masterpiece in its own right and a surefire contender for Best Picture.”

Saturday evening is set on October 11, 1975, when a wild group of young comedians and writers changed television forever. Previously titled SNL 1975The film tells the true story of what happened behind the scenes that night in the 90 minutes before SNL's very first broadcast.

Co-writer and director Reitman previously told Deadline that Aykroyd was “the hardest to cast,” but Dylan O'Brien “saved” the film with his performance. “I feel like we spent a year looking for Dan,” he said.

“Dan is tricky,” added Jason, whose late father Ivan Reitman introduced Aykroyd Ghostbusters (1984), Ghostbusters II (1989) and evolution (2001). Jason also worked with the actor when directing the sequels Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024).

“He's incredibly funny, verbose in a way you just don't find in other people, his grasp of detail, language and history. And at the same time surprisingly handsome and romantically charismatic,” he explained. “Dylan O'Brien came in and saved us. I know Dan really well. I grew up with Aykroyd and have now directed him, so I feel like I could write any scene for Dan Aykroyd at this point. I know his voice well enough. And when I gave Dylan some keys to find Aykroyd, it suddenly opened and that was the final piece of the puzzle.”

In the meantime, SNLThe milestone 50th season of “Summer” is underway. This weekend Ariana Grande hosts alongside musical guest Stevie Nicks.