According to The Hollywood Reporter, Saturday Night Live writer Jim Downey (Happy Gilmore 2, Veep) will finally be getting the appreciation that is long overdue. Downey is one of the most well-known writers in the history of SNL. On October 17, 2025, the Peacock Network will air an hour-long special, Downey Wrote That.  This special will give a first-hand look at the sketches, contributions, and the enduring influence of Downey, who happens to be one of the most influential writers of Saturday Night Live of all time. Even though Downey was “fired” from the show twice.

The Hollywood Reporter stated that Downey joined Saturday Night Live as a writer in 1976. Then, in 1980, he joined the other cast members for just one season. Downey is the longest-serving writer that SNL has had, with five Emmys, including the most recent SNL:50 anniversary special.

Originally announced in 2021, The Hollywood Reporter lists that the upcoming special will include interviews with creator Lorne Michaels (Nate Bargatze’s Nashville Christmas, Childhood Thoughts) along with past cast members Dana Carvey (Mulligan, Waynes World), Greg Daniels (King of The Hill, The Paper), Jon Lovitz (The Wedding Singer, Rat Race), Seth Meyers (Documentary Now!, American Auto), Garrett Morris (How I met Your Father, Fairfax), Al Franklin (The Al Franklin Show, LateLine), and John Mulaney (Madden, The Bear). Other interviewees include David Letterman (Andy Kauffman is Me, The Easy Kind), Laraine Newman (The Sisters Grimm, The Great North), Molly Shannon (Superstar, Never Been Kissed), Martin Short (Only Murders in The Building, Father Of The Bride), David Spade (Busboys, Snake Oil), Ben Stiller (Along Came Polly, Meet The Parents) and many more.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the special is produced by Universal Television in collaboration with Michaels, Andy Breckman (Rat Race, I.Q.), Erin David (Mean Girls, Bupkis), Eddie Michaels (Stranded, The Other Two), Oz Rodrigues (The Four Seasons, Goosebumps), and Brent Hodge (Longest Third Date, The Ketchup War). Derik Murray (I am Luke Perry, Brats) and Brian Gersh (Brats, I am Luke Perry) will co-executive produce.