Instead of chronicling the “eras” (hasn’t that already been done?), the Peacock documentary plucks out concepts and lets you see how the sausage is made.

Much about the show, which has been analyzed and reported on for half a century, is obvious. It isn't always good — practically (or entirely) never through a whole episode, and some would say a whole season.

Beyond Saturday Night takes a look back at the show's history and some of its most iconic cast members, including the show's longest-running cast member. With the historic comedy sketch show Saturday Night Live now in its 50th season,

Live will air a brand-new episode tonight, January 18. The latest entry in season 50 should be one for the books. SNL went on its annual holiday hiatus following the December 21 episode hosted by Martin Short.