Downey Wrote That Documentary to Debut on Peacock

The Peacock original documentary Downey Wrote That, about the extraordinary career of Jim Downey, is set to premiere Oct. 17. The hourlong film explores the sketches, contributions, and enduring influence of one of the most impactful comedy writers in the history of Saturday Night Live.

While diving into the storied history of television’s most iconic and longest-running comedy institution, the documentary will uncover the mastery of Downey’s craft as the show’s behind-the-scenes comedic architect for over three decades.

Downey Wrote That Documentary to Debut on Peacock

Largely unseen by audiences, Downey is the prolific writer behind many of Saturday Night Live‘s most unforgettable sketches, quotable lines, and groundbreaking political satire.

Downey joined SNL as a writer in 1976 and holds the record as the longest-running writer in the history of the show. He has won five Emmy Awards for his work on SNL, including Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special for SNL50: The Anniversary Special in 2025.

The documentary will feature candid interviews with Downey in addition to an all-star lineup of comedy legends, SNL cast members, writers, and more, including Fred Armisen, Andy Breckman, Dana Carvey, Greg Daniels, Will Forte, Al Franken, Bill Hader, Darrell Hammond, and David Letterman.

Also on board are 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.

Downey Wrote That is produced by Broadway Video in association with Universal Television Alternative Studio, a division of Universal Studio Group. Lorne Michaels, Susan Morrison, Andy Breckman, Erin David, Eddie Michaels, Oz Rodriguez, and Brent Hodge executive produce. Derik Murray and Brian Gersh co-executive produce.

Every season of Saturday Night Live is available to stream on Peacock. New episodes stream live on Peacock in addition to the broadcast on NBC (11:30 pm ET/8:30 pm PT).