SNL's Darkest Hour: How the Show Narrowly Avoided Cancellation

A new docuseries, "SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night," is set to mark the 20th anniversary of the show's near-demise after season 11. The series, executive produced by Oscar winner Morgan Neville, delves into the critical moment when Saturday Night Live faced the possibility of being cancelled, which could have deprived audiences of countless beloved comedic talents.

According to the docuseries, SNL's "weird year" after season 11 saw Lorne Michaels return to the show after a five-year hiatus, bringing in a whole new cast of young actors and writers. However, the experiment struggled, as the actors and writers struggled to communicate effectively. The network was reportedly ready to cancel the show, but Michaels convinced them to give it one more chance.

Between seasons 11 and 12, Michaels went on to recruit a remarkable new cast, including Dana Carvey, Phil Hartman, Kevin Nealon, and Jan Hooks – some of the all-time greatest SNL performers. This infusion of talent is credited with saving the show and setting it on a path to continued success in the years that followed.

The docuseries takes a deep dive into the various aspects of SNL's history, with each episode focusing on a different thematic element, from the audition process to the writing of iconic sketches like "More Cowbell." The series offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the legendary comedy institution and its remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.