Nov 4, 2025 - Culture

Celebrating Siskel & Ebert's 1975 debut

Monica Eng

Three men in suits having a conversation on a talk show set with a wooden desk, microphone, blue mug, and city skyline backdrop at night. — Actors Stephen Winchell (Siskel) and Zack Mast (Ebert) will present a live recreation of the duo's appearances in a one-night-only show on Nov. 22. Photo: Courtesy of Paul Durica.

Chicago is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel's debut as dueling critics on WTTW's "Sneak Previews," a show that would launch them into national stardom.

What's happening: This month, the Cultural Center will host Siskel and Ebert at 50, featuring free weekly movies important to the late duo, starting with "Eve's Bayou" at 7pm Wednesday, followed by a talk with Ebert's widow Chaz Ebert.

More highlights include 7pm screenings and discussions on

Nov. 12 "Breaking Away"
Nov. 19 "Drugstore Cowboy"
Nov. 25 "Lone Star"

The bonus: A one-night-only live performance by actors Zack Mast (Ebert) and Stephen Winchell (Siskel) exploring the history of the pairing and a chat with the Tribune's Rick Kogan and WTTW's Geoffrey Baer is on Nov. 22.

What they're saying: The duo "changed TV and film criticism," Chicago historian and the event's co-producer Paul Durica tells Axios. "We live with their legacy, and I wanted to honor it by marking this anniversary in a fun way."

If you go: All events are free but require registration here.

For a sneak preview of the fun, check out this nifty video.

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Celebrating Siskel & Ebert's 1975 debut

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