Downey Wrote That, a documentary about legendary Saturday Night Live writer Jim Downey, is finally coming to Peacock.
The streamer will premiere the film on October 17 – four and a half years after it was first announced.
The doc will tell the story of the career of Downey, the longest-running writer in the history of the show, who famously coined the line ‘strategery’ mocking President George W. Bush.
The hourlong doc will explore the sketches, contributions and influence of Downey, who originally joined the show in 1976 as its youngest ever writer.
Downey, who was called the “best political humorist alive” by SNL creator Lorne Michaels, initially worked at the show between 1976 and 1980 before leaving. He became head writer of Late Night with David Letterman for one year, before returning to SNL in 1984. He wrote a lot with Norm Macdonald and the pair were fired by NBC executive Don Ohlmeyer in 1998, reportedly for writing too many jokes about O.J Simpson.
He returned to the show in 2000 before retiring in 2013, although continued to work on a part-time basis. He won five Emmy Awards for his work on SNL including Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special for SNL50: The Anniversary Special in 2025.
The doc will feature interviews with Downey as well as SNL cast members and writers including Fred Armisen, Andy Breckman, Dana Carvey, Greg Daniels, Will Forte, Al Franken, Bill Hader, Darrell Hammond, David Letterman, 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. Network Entertainment was previously attached but it’s not clear if the company is still involved.
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.