SNL is soften criticised for being self-aggrandising. It’s certainly aware of its place in television history as somewhat of a “phenomenon”, if only because of how long running an institution it has become. For the most part, we’re happy to let it slide. It is afterall, an itty bitty miracle, and one that has stretched it’s wings far beyond it’s primary audience (although the geographical embargoes it always tries to place on overseas watchers would have you questioning this).

Admittedly it’s promoters always tend to shy away from acknowledging the many average patches the show has endured (it’s current cast is very fresh and what on Earth was the deal with that trainwreck 40th Anniversary show?) as what is essentially a comedy program, but mostly, SNL is truly awesome and deserving of the credit it receives. They way they staunchy stick to their format (live television or bust!) and are unapologetic in their dissection of American politics and popular culture, is something to be admired.

SO we’re delighted to see that a documentary is on it’s way about the show’s early years and evolution. Live From New York! appears to be the film actualisation of the book of the same name and combines archival footage with commentary from SNL legends.

Live From New York! will have a limited US theatrical release from June 12 in the States and given the show’s fairly modest Australian fanbase it’s fairly unlikely that we’ll see it in our theatres. Stay tuned for details on how to legally track this one down and imbibe in one heady, ravenous mouthful.