Questlove To Direct ’50 Years of SNL Music’ Documentary

Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson of The Roots is one of the foremost minds in music knowledge and history today, using his platforms and connections to the industry to great effect. Questlove, an Academy Award-winning director, is set to hit the chair once more to helm the 50 Years of SNL Music documentary.

Questlove, 53, was tapped to direct the 50 Years of SNL Music documentary, looking back at the sketch comedy series’ special segment for its musical guests over the past five decades.

Joining in on the directing duties will be SNL director Oz Rodriguez and will feature more than 50 interviews from some of the past guests such as Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of Run-DMC fame, Miley Cyrus, Paul Simon, and more. The doc will also feature former and current SNL writers and crew members including onscreen albums Maya Rudolph and Bill Hader, and former writer Conan O’Brien.

“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.”

Questlove’s Summer of Soul documentary, which examines the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, won the Academy Award for Best Documentary in 2022.

Eddie Murphy, Al Franken, Justin Timberlake, Kenan Thompson, and a host of other significant SNL contributors and guests will also appear in 50 Years of SNL Music.

The documentary airs on Monday, January 27, on NBC at 8 p.m. ET/PT, streaming next day on Peacock.

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Photo: Getty