Netflix Releases Keith Richards Documentary as the Rock Legend Celebrates 50 Years of ‘SNL’
June 12, 2025
In a move that thrills both music lovers and comedy fans alike, Netflix has released a groundbreaking documentary chronicling the life and career of rock ‘n’ roll legend Keith Richards — timed perfectly with the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live (SNL), a show where Richards has left an indelible mark both on stage and off.
“Stone Cold: Keith Richards and the Soul of SNL” — the title of the new Netflix documentary — is a rollicking, reflective, and surprisingly intimate portrayal of the Rolling Stones guitarist’s unique relationship with the iconic late-night sketch show. The film is part tribute, part time capsule, and part cultural commentary that celebrates not only Richards’ musical genius but his deep influence on American pop culture over five decades.
A Celebration of Rock and Sketch
The release comes amid NBC’s broader celebrations for SNL’s 50th anniversary season. The legendary comedy program, which debuted in 1975, has hosted countless musical icons — but few have maintained a mystique and impact quite like Richards. From his first appearance in 1978 to a rare hosting gig in 1993, and an unforgettable 2015 reunion performance with Mick Jagger, Richards has often stolen the show with his irreverent charisma and undeniable star power.
Netflix’s documentary dives deep into these moments with a mix of archival footage, rare behind-the-scenes clips, and new interviews with SNL alumni including Lorne Michaels, Tina Fey, Bill Hader, and Maya Rudolph, as well as fellow rockers like Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Nicks.
The Jagger-Richards Dynamic
A centerpiece of the film is the notorious 1993 episode, where Richards co-hosted SNL alongside Mick Jagger. The two Stones frontmen, not known for their warmth toward one another, reportedly had a tense dynamic throughout the taping — a tension that, ironically, made for comedy gold. The documentary reveals never-before-seen rehearsal footage and candid reflections from the cast who witnessed their banter, jabs, and occasional on-stage magic.
“Keith had this raw energy,” recalls former cast member David Spade in the film. “He wasn’t trying to be funny — he just was. Half the time we didn’t know if he was acting or just being Keith.”
The Soundtrack of Rebellion
With a score curated by Richards himself — featuring live renditions of “Happy,” “Before They Make Me Run,” and an acoustic version of “Gimme Shelter” — the documentary is as much a musical odyssey as it is a narrative one. His influence on the musical direction of SNL, particularly during the 1980s rock revival period, is explored in detail, showcasing his role in bringing more edge and authenticity to the show’s musical programming.
“Keith was always a champion of real music,” Lorne Michaels says in one of the film’s standout interviews. “He didn’t care for fluff or trends. He believed in soul. That mattered to SNL.”
More Than a Rock Star
“Stone Cold” also delves into Richards’ personal evolution — from his wild years of excess to his current role as a beloved elder statesman of rock. Friends, family, and fellow musicians comment on his unlikely longevity and the quieter, contemplative side of the man once dubbed the “Human Riff.”
Netflix’s production team worked closely with Richards and his estate to ensure authenticity and respect throughout the documentary. The result is a film that doesn’t gloss over the chaos but frames it as part of a larger, poignant narrative about legacy, friendship, and the relationship between rebellion and creativity.
A Cultural Milestone
The documentary is already being hailed as one of the most important rock films of the decade. Variety called it “a love letter to two American institutions: SNL and the living legend who never stopped playing,” while Rolling Stone praised its “emotional depth, musical fire, and humor rooted in decades of rock history.”
Netflix has also announced a limited theatrical release in select cities, with special screenings hosted by current and former SNL cast members and live Q&A sessions. Fans of the Stones, SNL, or simply rock history at its most electric, are being encouraged to catch it on the big screen if possible.
What’s Next for Richards?
At 81, Keith Richards shows no signs of slowing down. In a surprise moment during the documentary’s final scenes, Richards jokes from his Connecticut home studio: “Retirement? That’s for bankers. I’ve got at least three more riffs I haven’t used yet.”
As the Stones prepare to release a deluxe edition of Tattoo You later this year and rumors swirl of a final farewell tour, Richards’ presence in the cultural zeitgeist remains as strong as ever.
With “Stone Cold,” Netflix gives audiences not just a retrospective, but a reminder — that some icons don’t fade with time; they just keep playing.
