Here, live from a place that’s not New York. it’s Watch Party!

Alright, while that may lack the high-energy flair of the traditional “Saturday Night Live” intro, the new comedy titled “Saturday Night,” which explores the frantic 90 minutes leading up to the first broadcast of NBC’s “SNL,” is packed with the kind of wildness you’ll love. This show’s at the top of my viewing suggestions for the week, along with the captivating mystery drama “Disclaimer” starring Cate Blanchett that’s just dropped on streaming, plus, if you’re in the mood for chills, the return of the “Terrifier” series. Given that it’s spooky season, I’ve made it my mission to sprinkle in some horror into your watchlist. (You’re welcome!)

Now, let’s dive into the highlights:

Explore the Chaotic Beginnings of ‘SNL’ in the New Comedy ‘Saturday Night’

The early days of “SNL” hold a special place in my heart; back in the ’80s, I would stay up late as a child to enjoy the performances of Eddie Murphy, Billy Crystal, Martin Short, and Julia-Louis Dreyfus, while also seeing classic “SNL” stars like Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, and John Belushi transition to film. Therefore, “Saturday Night,” featuring Gabriel LaBelle as a young Lorne Michaels striving to prevent chaos just before the show goes live in 1975, resonates with me nostalgically while expertly capturing the frenetic spirit that made the original “SNL” so beloved. (Check out my ★★★½ star review.)

My friend Marco della Cava interviewed director Jason Reitman and the cast about how “Saturday Night” was created, including an interesting guideline: “Jason thought we should avoid mimicking the actual people,” LaBelle shared. (Spoiler: A few exceptions were made!)

Watch Cate Blanchett in ‘Disclaimer,’ Dubbed ‘the Best Show of the Year’

Acclaimed director Alfonso Cuarón, who has won multiple Oscars, is now striving for an Emmy with “Disclaimer,” available on Apple TV+. This drama features Cate Blanchett as a celebrated British journalist presented with a book that reveals a dark secret from her past. Kevin Kline portrays a heartbroken father who seeks to dismantle her life. For binge-watchers, the first two episodes (out of seven) are live now; remember to keep watching weekly for more excitement. (You’ll thank me later.)

Kelly Lawler, a TV critic, praised it as “the best show of the year” in her ★★★★ star review, stating, “It’s as dark and disheartening as any narrative can be, and it will leave you stunned by its sheer brilliance.” She recently updated her top picks of 2024, which also include titles like “Nobody Wants This” and “The Boys.”

Witness Art the Clown’s Terrifying Return in Gory Horror ‘Terrifier 3’

Having grown up during the heyday of slasher films, I’ve had the opportunity to interview iconic villains like Robert Englund (Freddy Krueger) and Nick Castle (the original Michael Myers). Thus, I’ve been keen to discuss the legendary David Howard Thornton, who plays the disturbingly violent Art the Clown in the “Terrifier” films. We caught up about the latest “Terrifier 3,” in which the Alabama-born actor shared his inspirations for his silent yet maniacal performance as Art and reflected on how losing his mother to cancer reshaped his career: “Life’s too short not to pursue your true passions. That was my final conversation with my mom.”

“Terrifier” is known for its graphic and shocking kill sequences, so it’s not suitable for everyone. For those seeking lighter options, consider checking out my new Halloween TV roundup, featuring less scary options like the “Gremlins” animated series or the “Family Guy Halloween Special” (with guest star Glen Powell).

Even More Great Picks to Check Out!

• Pharrell Williams takes on the role of a Lego mini-figure in his new animated biopic “Piece By Piece,” describing the experience as “therapeutic.”
• Florence Pugh selects “Babe” as one of her top tearjerkers while she chats with Andrew Garfield about their upcoming romantic film “We Live in Time.”
• Reba McEntire has announced her collaboration with Carole King for the theme song of her upcoming sitcom, “Happy’s Place.”
• Do you still have a craving for “Speed”? Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock have gotten together to look back at their wild bus escapades from the action film, 30 years later.
• Exciting news! “Big Little Lies” will be returning. Reese Witherspoon mentioned that the cast is simply “waiting” for fresh material from author Liane Moriarty.