Why Jim Downey’s ‘SNL’ Genius Was Hiding in Plain Sight—Until Peacock Finally Pulled Back the Curtain!
Added on October 6, 2025 inTV News Cards
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Isn’t it funny how Jim Downey, the twice-fired but never-forgotten Saturday Night Live writing wizard, has a chart that seems to scream “comedic architect” all over it? Maybe it’s that Mercury-in-sly-Scorpio vibe working its magic, making him the inside man behind some of the sharpest political jabs and those infamous O.J. Simpson jokes with Norm MacDonald. As Scorpio season digs its claws into October, the universe seems to be finally acknowledging Downey’s three-decade reign behind the scenes with a long-overdue documentary, Downey Wrote That, premiering on Peacock this 17th. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to stay hilariously relevant through countless upheavals—including two firings on the same legendary show—Downey’s story might just be the cosmic answer we didn’t know we needed. Ready to dive into the mind behind the madness? LEARN MORE
Jim Downey may have been fired from Saturday Night Live — twice — but he is still the most legendary writer in show history. In 11 days, Downey will finally get the documentary his career deserves. (And I do mean “finally” — the Downey special was first announced in 2021.)
The hourlong special Downey Wrote That will premiere Oct. 17 on Peacock. Downey Wrote That will dive into “the sketches, contributions and enduring influence of one of the most impactful comedy writers in the history of Saturday Night Live,” the logline reads, going on to call Downey “the show’s behind-the-scenes comedic architect for over three decades.”
For those who follow the craft of comedy writing, none of that is hyperbole. Downey has written countless classic lines and shaped just as many characters. He is also known as the guy who wrote all of those O.J. Simpson jokes with and for Norm MacDonald.
Downey, who joined SNL as a writer in 1976, is the longest-serving writer in the history of the sketch show. He has won five Emmys, including for his writing on the SNL50 anniversary special.
Downey actually joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in 1980 for one season. He is one of the show’s many one-and-done players.
In addition to Downey, Lorne Michaels’ Broadway Video cameras shot interviews with (alphabetically) Fred Armisen, Andy Breckman, Dana Carvey, Greg Daniels, Will Forte, Al Franken, Bill Hader, Darrell Hammond, David Letterman, Jon Lovitz, Seth Meyers, 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. Michaels himself participates as well.
Downey Wrote That is produced in association with Universal Television Alternative Studio. Lorne Michaels, Breckman, Erin David, Eddie Michaels, Oz Rodriguez and Brent Hodge executive produce; Derik Murray and Brian Gersh co-executive produce.
Saturday Night Live returned with its 51st season this past weekend.
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