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Saturday Night Live rang in its 50th season in a major way, with a celebrity-packed special, a tribute to the show’s music history, and a homecoming concert. To coincide with SNL 50 a number of books and memorabilia were released, including Susan Morrison’s biography Lorne and a set of Funko Pop! figures. The latest book,The Art of the SNL Portrait,arrives on March 4 and is available from Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and other retailers.
The Art of the SNL Portrait
$51.15
Buy Now at bookshop.org
Buy at b&N (Signed copy)
Beyond the celebrity guests and sketches, so much of what makes SNL memorable are the flourishes, whether it’s the sax outros, the New York-inspired set, or the host portraits, which serve as bumpers between the show and commercial breaks. For over two decades, those host and musical guest portraits have been shot by Mary Ellen Matthews, whose new book The Art of the SNL Portrait compiles her most iconic photos.
The hardcover features more than 200 color portraits, as well as behind-the-scenes photos, and an index of every photo in the book with notes from Matthews. In addition, the book features a foreword from SNL founder Lorne Michaels.
Matthews appeared on The Tonight Show to discuss the bumper photos, telling Jimmy Fallon, “I love doing it, and it’s such a challenge each week to do it again and do it better or do it different.” Following the interview, she shot Fallon in the style of an SNL portrait on the fly, with the host donning various rockstar-inspired looks, from Mick Jagger to Slash.
When Does SNL Return?
SNL fans will get to see what Mary Ellen Matthews cooks up this Saturday when Shane Gillis takes the stage to host with musical guest Tate McRae, both returning for their second appearance. The March 8 episode will be hosted by Lady Gaga, doing double duty as the musical guest. You can stream the show live or after it airs with a Peacock subscription.
