For fans of Saturday Night Live (SNL), there’s nothing quite like the magic that unfolds every weekend on Studio 8H. But what happens behind the scenes at the iconic comedy show? Several former cast members and writers have spilled the secrets, the laughs, and the drama in memoirs and oral histories that give fans an intimate look at life inside the comedy powerhouse.
Here’s a roundup of some must-read books that take you behind the scenes of SNL:
1. “Hello, Molly!” by Molly Shannon
Molly Shannon, one of SNL‘s most beloved cast members, shares her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a comedy sensation. In her memoir, Shannon talks about the creation of her iconic characters, like the exuberant Mary Katherine Gallagher, and the wild stories from her time at SNL. Shannon’s book is as hilarious as it is heartwarming, filled with personal anecdotes about her rise in comedy.
2. “Leslie F*cking Jones” by Leslie Jones
Leslie Jones’s no-holds-barred memoir is just as bold and outrageous as she is. In Leslie Fcking Jones*, she opens up about her life before *SNL*, the challenges she faced in a male-dominated industry, and how she finally broke into the comedy juggernaut. Jones’s book is a raw, funny, and deeply personal story that takes readers into her mind as she crafted her unforgettable *SNL* characters and sketches.
3. “Live From New York” by Tom Shales and James Andrew Miller
This oral history of SNL is a must-read for die-hard fans. Featuring interviews with cast members, writers, producers, and guest hosts from the show’s inception in 1975, Live From New York provides a comprehensive and fascinating look at the inner workings of SNL. From Lorne Michaels’s leadership to the creative processes behind legendary sketches, this book gives readers a deep dive into the show’s highs, lows, and behind-the-scenes drama.
4. “A Very Punchable Face” by Colin Jost
Current SNL head writer and “Weekend Update” co-anchor Colin Jost’s memoir, A Very Punchable Face, is a hilarious collection of essays about his life, his time at SNL, and the challenges of writing and performing comedy under immense pressure. With his signature self-deprecating humor, Jost shares insights about working with comedy greats and balancing a high-profile career with personal life.
5. “Girl Walks Into a Bar…” by Rachel Dratch
Rachel Dratch’s memoir, Girl Walks Into a Bar…, is a witty, candid account of her career, including her time on SNL, where she became known for playing quirky, eccentric characters like Debbie Downer. Dratch’s book is more than just an SNL memoir; it’s a relatable, funny reflection on life’s unexpected turns, with a perfect balance of humor and vulnerability.
Each of these books offers a unique perspective on what it’s like to be part of the legendary Saturday Night Live. Whether you’re looking for laugh-out-loud stories or a deep dive into comedy history, these memoirs and oral histories bring Studio 8H right into your living room.