Rachel Sennott on SNL, Saturday Night, and Charli XCX

Rachel Sennott talks about filming 'Saturday Night,' hanging out with Charli XCX, and her dream of hosting SNL.

 

It was the summer after Rachel Sennott attended her first Met Gala, riding high off the kind of early filmography that would make an agent’s eyes water—with Shiva Baby, Bodies Bodies Bodies, and Bottoms released one year after the next. It was the summer she had her comedy pilot ordered by HBO, cut her hair into a bob, starred in director Ally Pankiw’s dark comedy I Used to Be Funny, and presided over a coven of Internet hot girls in Charli XCX’s instantly viral “360” music video.

The two sat down for a debrief with Cultured Magazine about the hottest summer on record, sharing their experiences of a summer that will be remembered for years to come.

Charli XCX leans in, her curiosity piqued, "So how’s it been living in the ’70s? Were you guys filming on the actual SNL set or was it a reconstruction?"

Rachel Sennott chuckles, "At first, I was convinced we'd be shooting in New York. But surprise! We ended up in Georgia—not even Atlanta, but way upstate. They built an entire replica of the studio." A hint of wonderment colors her voice, "It was a bit surreal, being in the middle of nowhere, but they nailed it. It's identical to 30 Rock. Although, they did film some parts in New York."

Charli XCX nods, then asks, "Did you watch SNL growing up?"

Sennott's face lights up, "Absolutely! Lorne Michaels always says everyone's favorite SNL is the one they grew up with. For me, it was the Maya Rudolph, Kristen Wiig, Tina Fey era. The women were killing it, so naturally, that's my favorite. How about you?"