The cast ofSaturday Night Livehas discussed the legendary sketch show returning to 30 Rock’s iconic 17th floor for season 50.SNLheld its read-throughs on the 17th floor for its first 44 seasons, before moving to the more spacious Studio 8H during season 45 because of the COVID pandemic. The cast initially returned to the 17th floor forSNL’s 50th Anniversary Special, and they have responded positively to the change, many of them describing it as feeling like the show is back where it belongs.
PerDeadline, some of the cast ofSNLhave discussed the show moving back to the historic 17th floor for season 50, discussing how it has been great for morale. Bowen Yang, who joined the show as a writer in season 44, before becoming a cast member from season 45, admitted how big of a deal the move was. Yang stated that the move was great for morale, and talked about how it felt like a move back to the show’s roots. Fellow cast member Ego Nwodim agreed, likening the move to a return home. Check out Yang’s quotes below:
“From the first season to the 45th, read through is on the 17th floor, and then, because of Covid, because we just had to work with spatial limitations, and wanted a bigger space so we used the studio [8H] floor and we all got used to it. Four years in, it rearranged our spatial awareness as the week progresses.
There’s something about being back on the 17th floor where the wins feel bigger and the bombs don’t feel quite as devastating, which was good for morale. It felt like this return home, in terms of the spirit of the show and where we all got to get back to the show’s roots in some ways even though we’re like a new, scrappy cast."
What This Means For SNL Season 50
A Return To The 17th Floor Should Make For A Closer & More Connected Cast
The return to the 17th floor is a huge one for the cast and crew ofSaturday Night Live, and this is going to have a significant impact on the way shows are produced moving forward. Being back in such an iconic place feels like a homecoming of sorts for the show, and this is going to have an inspirational impact on those involved. There’s a good chance the move will make for a closer and more connectedSaturday Night Livecastlong-term, which should help to improve the quality of the shows that are produced.
Saturday Night Liveis an institution, and having everything in place behind the scenes is integral to producing the best possible show.
Indeed, the fact thatSaturday Night Liveseason 50 is the most-watched season for three yearsreflects the new dynamic in place, and it isn’t difficult to imagine that the return to the 17th floor played some factor in it.SNLis a show that has always thrived on the strength of its writers and the electricity between its cast members, and the inspiration they will take from being back"home"is going to help improve the family dynamic of the show behind the scenes, which in turn should make for a funnier and more dynamic season.
Our Take On SNL’s Move Back To The 17th Floor
The Show Is Unlikely To Move Again Now
Whilst the initial move to Studio 8H was necessary due to social distancing restrictions, and the need for more space, a return home just feels right for the show.Saturday Night Liveis an institution, and having everything in place behind the scenes is integral to producing the best possible show. The iconic move back sees the show return to a location steeped in history, where so many legendary events took place, and it’s difficult to see a situation whereSaturday Night Livemight move again in the future.
Saturday Night Live
Cast
Saturday Night Live is a live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels, premiering in 1975. It features comedy sketches parodying contemporary culture and politics, performed by a rotating cast. Each episode is hosted by a celebrity guest and includes musical performances.
