Downey Wrote That: Release date news, streaming details, and more about the upcoming Peacock documentary on SNL icon

Lorne Michaels is honoring one of SNL's longest-tenured and legendary writers, Jim Downey, with an hour-long documentary titled Downey Wrote That. Produced by Lorne Michaels' Broadway Video in association with Universal Television Alternative Studio, the project was announced back in 2021, but will see the light of day on October 17 on Peacock.

The official logline for Downey Wrote That reads as follows:

''The film will highlight the sketches, comedic voice and enduring influence of the longest-running writer in the history of “SNL.”

Jim Downey is an American comedy writer, producer, and actor, most famous as the longest-tenured head writer at Saturday Night Live, who wrote on more than 30 seasons of the comedy sketch show. Known for his witty style of writing and sharp political satire, Downey has penned many quotable and memorable lines and sketches on SNL, which have often landed him in trouble.

The documentary, slated for October 17 release on Peacock, will feature interviews with the man of the hour, along with many SNL alumni and Michaels.

More on Downey Wrote That in our story.

Downey Wrote That: All about SNL's 'behind-the-scenes comedic architect'

Jim Downey first joined SNL in its second season in 1976 and began writing with Al Franken, Tom Davis, and Dan Aykroyd. After working on the show's 27th season (out of 32 seasons), he departed in 1980, following a large exodus of writers after Michaels' exit.

For a year, he worked as the head writer on Late Night with David Letterman, contributing to its global success, until he rejoined SNL in 1984. His second stint proved to be the most successful for his career and SNL alike, resulting in the famous Weekend Update sketches and the infamous O. J. Simpson jokes. However, some of his comments about O. J. Simpson led to his firing midway through Season 23.

Jim Downey returned in 2000 and continued to work on SNL till 2013, when he announced his official retirement, after 30 non-consecutive years. Downey is also a five-time Emmy Award winner, including for his latest writing gig for the SNL50 anniversary special. Additionally, the writing genius holds acting credits on Kate & Allie, Curb Your Enthusiasm, 30 Rock, and Our Cartoon President.

Downey Wrote That: A peek into the most iconic SNL sketches

Peacock's upcoming documentary titled Downey Wrote That will feature behind-the-scenes anecdotes about many iconic sketches penned by the legendary writer. Honored as the "best political humorist alive" by Michaels and "the great comedy writer that we all revere'' by Conan O'Brien, Jim Downey is most famously known for coining the word "strategery" in October 2000.

The term became popular when Downey wrote a political satire on the then-presidential candidate George W. Bush, addressing his difficulty with public speaking. The word went viral and was even cheekily used by Bush's own administration and political pundits. Additionally, his Weekend Update sketches with comedian Norm Macdonald (in the mid-1990s) were viral machines and are still the most memorable in SNL history.

Downey Wrote That will honor the legendary writer who gave us many political memes and GIF-able moments from SNL and whose work will continue to rule the comedy genre for many generations.

In addition to Downey and Michaels, Downey Wrote That will feature many SNL alumni and comedians, including Fred Armisen, Will Forte, Molly Shannon, Martin Short, Garrett Morris, John Mulaney, Maya Rudolph, O'Brien, Letterman, Bob Odenkirk, Lawrence O’Donnell, Kenan Thompson, Al Franken, Bill Hader, Ben Stiller, and many more.

Tune into Downey Wrote That on Peacock on October 17.