The new SNL documentary series proves why the legendary show is truly immortal

Finally, the final series of documentaries focuses on one season that is widely considered to be one of the worst and most infamous. In “Season 11: The Weird Year,” we look back at the first season of Lorne Michaels' return to “SNL” after leaving the series in 1980. After a five-year absence, Michaels returned in an effort to bring “SNL” back from the brink of cancellation. Had Michael not returned to the show he created, the show might have ended right then and there, but the producer took it upon himself to reinvent the series.

Michaels cleaned house without recalling any of the cast from the previous season, casting an all-new cast that included Vacation franchise star Randy Quaid, up-and-coming comedy superstar Damon Wayan, actress Joan Cusack, comedian Jon Lovitz, Brat Pack staple Anthony Michael Hall, High School Film favorite Robert Downey Jr., satirist Dennis Miller, newcomer Nora Dunn, Off-Broadway star Danitra Vance and the show's first openly gay cast member, Terry Sweeney.

Despite a fantastic talent pool, Michaels struggled to gain any momentum upon his return. The skits just didn't work and the cast had a hard time getting into the groove. But this documentary series shows that even in what many consider to be one of the worst seasons, there are still exciting peaks and bold creative decisions. Jon Lovitz's recurring pathological liar character would lead to one of the most famous lines of the decade: “Yeah, that's the ticket!” Terry Sweeney inspired a generation of gay comedians. Damon Wayan went rogue and fired himself. Even Francis Ford Coppola directed an entire meta episode of the series, and nothing like it would ever happen again.

And therein lies the real secret to “SNL's” endurance: The show is always evolving, not because it wants to, but because it has to, and they never let setbacks keep them from trying again next week. If the show had died after season 11, or even before, just think of all the fun moments we'd be denied. How many of its breakout stars might have remained undiscovered? The series adapts to the times and the potential of the cast it puts in the spotlight. There is nothing else like it on television, and there probably never will be.

If you enjoyed all of this “SNL” waxing, listen to our episode of The /Film Daily Podcast featuring “SNL 50: Beyond Saturday Night” executive producer Morgan Neville talking about the making of the documentary:

You can subscribe to the /Film Daily website Apple Podcasts, Get cloudy, Spotifyor wherever you get your podcasts and send us your feedback, questions, comments, concerns, and mailbag topics to bpearson@slashfilm.com.