New CNN documentary “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not” examines the comedian’s career and reputation.
Director Marina Zenovich frames Chase as both a brilliant physical comic and a frequently prickly collaborator.
The film traces childhood trauma, longtime family bonds and why Chase remains a divisive figure in Hollywood.

Documentary premieres on CNN

The new film, “I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not,” directed by Marina Zenovich, premiered on CNN and its streaming platforms in early January. The documentary offers a close, interview-driven look at Chase — an original member of Saturday Night Live’s cast who helped define the show’s early voice and served as the first Weekend Update anchor.

What the documentary shows

Zenovich presents Chase as a complex figure: an “unparalleled physical comedian” and former leading man who many colleagues describe as difficult to work with. The film includes both praise from fans and intimates and frank discussion of the harsher side of his reputation.

Chase acknowledges the label but often appears puzzled by the intensity of criticism. He tells Zenovich he feels fulfilled, pointing to the loyalty of his wife of 43 years and their three daughters, the steady stream of fan mail and ongoing public interest.

Director frames the contradictions

Marina Zenovich, known for probing documentaries about complicated figures such as Roman Polanski, Lance Armstrong and Robin Williams, says she was drawn to Chase by the disconnect between his talent and the stories about his temperament. Her approach is empathetic but unflinching: she explores how Chase’s childhood, including physical abuse by his mother and stepfather, shaped his behavior and career choices.

At moments the film captures sharp exchanges. Chase tells Zenovich she is “not bright enough” to grasp his complexity — a remark that underscores the combative, sometimes caustic persona that has shadowed his career.

Career arc and recent visibility

Chase’s influence on comedy remains clear, even as his work has become less central in recent years. He was left off the performance roster for SNL’s 50th anniversary special, despite his role in the show’s early success. His last widely noted television role ended in 2014 when he was written off the NBC comedy Community.

Legacy and reaction

“I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not” does not excuse Chase’s rougher behavior, but it asks viewers to weigh his professional gifts alongside his personal flaws. The film’s candid moments — and the spirited conversation that followed a publicity appearance at CNN — make it clear that Chase remains a figure who provokes admiration and debate in equal measure.

For viewers and fans, the documentary offers an accessible portrait: funny, uncomfortable and unavoidably human.

Image Referance: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/01/arts/television/hes-chevy-chase-and-hes-still-like-that.html