George Schlatter Documentary Hits Digital Platforms Dec. 8

Viewers can watch Sock It To Me: The Legend of George Schlatter on digital platforms beginning Dec. 8. Freestyle Digital Media, the distribution unit of Allen Media Group, acquired the North American video-on-demand rights to the film. The release offers audiences a look at the career of the television producer who is now 96 years old.

The documentary focuses on Schlatter's creation of Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, a comedy variety show that premiered on NBC in 1968. The program launched the careers of Goldie Hawn and Lily Tomlin and helped shape the development of late-night television, including Saturday Night Live. Schlatter also created and produced the NBC reality series Real People, which started in 1979.

Byron Allen, founder of Allen Media Group, appeared as a regular co-host on Real People at age 18. That role marked his first job in television. The film features archival footage and interviews with Schlatter, Hawn, Tomlin, Tom Hanks, Martin Short, Billy Crystal, Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel, Lionel Richie, Lisa Ann Walter, Berry Gordy, and Allen.

Chris Coronado wrote and directed the feature. He has served as creative director at George Schlatter Productions since 2016. Coronado produced the film with Greg Myers and Dayna Winston. The production team negotiated the deal directly with Freestyle Digital Media.

Schlatter noted in a statement that friends had long encouraged him to write an autobiography. He said he preferred others tell the story. "They then explained to me that it wouldn't be an autobiography, so here we are," he said. He called the partnership with Allen's company a full circle moment.

Referencing a famous line from Laugh-In, Schlatter expressed his enthusiasm for the release. "You bet your sweet bippy I'm excited for audiences to see it and remind them of the power of laughter!" he added.