'SNL' fetes itself with a look backstage

Remarkably or inexplicably, "SNL" never produced a 35th anniversary show. But not one to let an opportunity like that pass by forever, you will finally get it Sunday night, albeit a year or so late. This is a sprawling two-hour overview of the last 36 years, with dozens of interviews, outtakes, clips, factoids, and observations from many, many "SNL" alumni.

The broadcast is divided into sections that correspond to show elements - monologue, guest hosts, "Weekend Update," cast characters, and so on. Many of theses interviews, if not most, were taped for earlier specials, and never aired. Some were taped for an anticipated 35th anniversary special that did not materialize.

MY SAY There is no greater TV institution in America than "SNL" and we know this largely because "SNL" tells us so, and has told us so, year after year, special after special, clip job after clip job. It's a magnificent self-obsession that manifests itself most often during sweeps. What's slightly different this time around is that you get a glimpse behind the scenes, but only a glimpse. Jim Downey, Michael Shoemaker, Tom Davis, A. Whitney Brown, Tim Kazurinsky, Paula Pell, and (yes) Conan O'Brien are a few of the wordsmiths on camera who explain the genesis of sketches, ideas or controversies.

Otherwise, this genial, enjoyable, and very fast-moving special will be reasonably familiar to casual fans. It's the real "SNL" Kremlinologist who will be somewhat disappointed. Lorne Michaels, the grand master of ceremonies himself, remains ever elusive here. Hardly anyone talks about the most important person behind the most influential show in TV history. And there are odd cast omissions, too: Bill Murray, Darrell Hammond, Cheri Oteri and Tracy Morgan are almost invisible (Hammond was the longest-serving cast member). Early creative forces like Jean Doumanian and Michael O'Donoghue aren't mentioned.

This is indeed a great institution, but the great special on "Saturday Night Live" remains to be produced. Meanwhile, this breezy lark will do.

GRADE B