Saturday Night Live

30 Rockefeller Plaza
Over the last thirty years, “SNL” has launched the careers of many of the brightest comedy performers of a generation and as “The New York Times” noted on the occasion of the show’s Emmy winning 25th Anniversary special in 1999: “In defiance of both ... more
Over the last thirty years, “SNL” has launched the careers of many of the brightest comedy performers of a generation and as “The New York Times” noted on the occasion of the show’s Emmy winning 25th Anniversary special in 1999: “In defiance of both time and show business convention, “SNL” [is] still the most pervasive influence on the art of comedy in contemporary culture.” At the close of the century, “Saturday Night Live” placed seventh on Entertainment Weekly’s list of the Top 100 Entertainers of the past fifty years. Thus far, the program has won 18 Emmy Awards and been nominated for more than 80. “SNL” has been honored with the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award and cited as “truly a national institution.” Most recently, “Saturday Night Live” was inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame by the National Association of Broadcasters. The show continues to garner the highest ratings of any late-night television program, entertaining millions each week. “SNL’s” impressive lineup of guest hosts last season featured some of the biggest stars of film, television and music including: Matt Damon, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Eric McCormack, Nia Vardalos, Brittany Murphy, Robert DeNir... more

Over the last thirty years, “SNL” has launched the careers of many of the brightest comedy performers of a generation and as “The New York Times” noted on the occasion of the show’s Emmy winning 25th Anniversary special in 1999: “In defiance of both time and show business convention, “SNL” [is] still the most pervasive influence on the art of comedy in contemporary culture.” At the close of the century, “Saturday Night Live” placed seventh on Entertainment Weekly’s list of the Top 100 Entertainers of the past fifty years.

Thus far, the program has won 18 Emmy Awards and been nominated for more than 80. “SNL” has been honored with the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award and cited as “truly a national institution.” Most recently, “Saturday Night Live” was inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame by the National Association of Broadcasters. The show continues to garner the highest ratings of any late-night television program, entertaining millions each week.

“SNL’s” impressive lineup of guest hosts last season featured some of the biggest stars of film, television and music including: Matt Damon, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Eric McCormack, Nia Vardalos, Brittany Murphy, Robert DeNiro, Ray Liotta, Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Christopher Walken, Queen Latifah, Salma Hayek, Bernie Mac, Ray Romano, Ashton Kutcher, Adrien Brody and Dan Aykroyd. The show also featured the acting debuts of NASCAR superstar Jeff Gordon and headline-making turns by former Vice President Al Gore and Senator John McCain.

“SNL’s” debut in 1975 was named #4 on the VH-1/Entertainment Weekly list of Greatest Rock & Roll Moments on Television. The show continued its unparalleled tradition of featuring both blockbuster and breakout musical acts hosting such performers as Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Faith Hill, The White Stripes, Jay-Z, Eve, Nelly, Norah Jones, Phish, Avril Lavigne, The Donnas, The Dixie Chicks, Beck, Foo Fighters, Christina Aguilera, Ms. Dynamite, Good Charlotte, Zwan, 50 Cent, Sean Paul, Wayne Wonder and Beyoncé.

“Saturday Night Live,” which premiered October 11, 1975, is broadcast live from NBC’s famed Studio 8H in New York City’s Rockefeller Center. The program is a production of Broadway Video in association with SNL Studios. Lorne Michaels is the executive producer.


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Midtown Description

Saturday Night Live is located in the Midtown neighborhood of Manhattan. Midtown West From the hustle of the Port Authority Bus Terminal to the bustle of Seventh Avenue and 42nd Street, much of New York's dazzling vibrancy and energy emanates from this area stretching from Times Square to Central Park South. Packed with theaters, tourist attractions and tall office buildings, the buzz and glow of the city are most obvious amid the huge neon signs, giant wraparound news tickers (ABC News has a studio location here) and Broadway marquees. After braving the crowds of pop-obsessed teeny boppers gathered around MTV Studios visit the Hershey’s Time Square Store to satisfy your sweet tooth. Or grab a bite to eat at typical tourist meccas like TGI Friday's or the Dave & Buster's. A stroll up Broadway, whether in the early morning or late at night, passes by some of America's most cherished institutions, and the number of glowing lights are rivaled only by the Las Vegas Strip. Little wonder that Mondrian's inspiration for "Broadway Boogie-Woogie" came from this amazing array of places and colors; some of the facades literally scream out at the visitor as though ready to burst out from the grid of Midtown's streets and fly into orbit! If you need a respite from the sensory overstimulation of Times Square, visit the New York Public Library. The majestic Beaux-Arts building, flanked by the two famous marble lions, Patience and Fortitude, has been the heart and soul of the New York library system for nearly a century. It’s great for a little peace and quiet, and of course a great read. The library is to adjacent Bryant Park, which is a lovely patch of green in the middle of skyscraper territory. Among the amenities available to visitors are a French-style carousel, a boule board, chess tables, free summer movie screening, over 25,000 varieties of flowers, the Bryant Park Grill, and free wireless access, as well as 2,000 moveable chairs. Midtown West is also home to Radio City Music Hall (home to world-famous dancers, the Rockettes), Museum of Television and Radio, Museum of Modern Art, Carnegie Hall and the newly renovated Museum of Arts & Design. These extraordinary cultural institutions play host year-round to natives and tourists alike, so catch an eye-catching exhibit or enjoy a symphony and bask in some of New York’s greatest artistic offerings. There's also no shortage of restaurants in the area. For some excellent French fare try La Bergamote, which is known for its vast menu, with nearly 30 types of luxurious French pastries, six sorts of croissants, over a dozen types of breads as well as diverse handmade chocolates. For dinner try Aquavit, the country's preeminent Scandinavian restaurant. There really are too many dining options to list, but click here to check out entire listings of restaurant in the Midtown area. If you're looking to spend your stay in New York right in the heart of Midtown, there are plenty of hotel options. The DoubleTree by Hilton is located right in Times Square, as is the sophisticated Park Central New York. And for the more budget conscious traveler there's the Comfort Inn Midtown and the Portland Square Hotel. Midtown East Midtown East stretches from 42nd Street north to 59th, and East of Fifth Avenue to the East River. The area is populated with some of New York’s most iconic landmarks. While walking along 42nd Street and Park Avenue a visit to Grand Central Station is certainly in order, for Grand Central is one of the most stunning railroad stations in America. Walk in to admire its stunning brass clock, the exquisite staircases, and the unique celestial ceiling, its light bluish-green background filled with well-known constellations dotted with tiny lights. Restored in recent years, the cavernous main hall is bathed in natural light during the day, and pulsates with activity at night, thanks not least to its three busy restaurants: Michael Jordan's Steakhouse, Metrazur, and the famous Oyster Bar. Another superb restaurant in the area includes the Benjamin Steakhouse, housed inside the ornate 1903 Beaux-Arts Dylan Hotel. There's also Sparks Steak House which is known for not only its massive steaks, but its massive wine list as well. The gorgeous Chrysler Building (which turned 75 in 2005) is also nearby. In the bright sunlight, the upper floors gleam, reflect, and even seem to pulsate light, directing the eye upwards towards the spire. Its gorgeous Art Deco lobby, with murals celebrating transportation themes, is definitely one of New York’s finest. Examine the ornamental details, the typical Deco motifs, the lush marble, and the charming light fixtures, all restored in recent years. You’ll also definitely want to visit Rockefeller Center. The plaza, adorned with Paul Manship’s massive golden 1934 statue of Prometheus contains the world-famous ice skating rink and of course is home to the giant Christmas tree every December, making it a must-see holiday destination. While you’re in the neighborhood take a tour of the United Nations and get a behind-the scenes look at the diplomacy in action at the global meeting place of the General Assembly and Security Council. Midtown East is also home to some of the world's most well known department stores, including Lord & Taylor, <a href=”/yellow_pages/bergdorf_goodman.112561/">Bergdorf Goodman and of course the original Saks Fifth Avenue. All those retailers have an extraordinary selection of upscale goods and are considered classic, can’t-go-wrong stops for any shopaholic. So take your time strolling through this quintessential region of Manhattan - explore those famous landmarks, have a stop for lunch, and then proceed to do a little upscale shopping. Midtown East is an ideal neighborhood to spend your stay in New York, as the area is full of attractions and iconic landmarks. The beautiful, Art Deco styled Roosevelt Hotel is just four blocks from the Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall and within walking distance of Times Square and Museum of Modern Art. There's also the Grand Hyatt, which is located right near the United Nations and St. Patrick's Cathedral. The spacious and elegant Dylan Hotel, as well as the W New York – The Tuscany are other exceptional options. Click here for a complete list of hotels in close proximity to Midtown East.

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Info

30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10112
212-664-3056
Website

Editorial Rating

Admission And Tickets

For tickets write to:

Saturday Night Live
c/o NBC Tickets
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10112

Tickets are given out once a year through a ticket lottery. To enter, send an email to [email protected] during the month of August only. Please include all contact information and do not request a specific date. One email per household allowed. Winners will each receive two tickets for a specific show date and performance (dress rehearsal or live show). You will be notified only in the event that you are selected.

This Week's Hours

Standby tickets are distributed at 7am on the 49th Street side of 30 Rockefeller Plaza on the mornings of the tapings. You may choose a standby ticket for either the 8pm dress rehearsal or the 11:30pm live taping. Standby tickets are limited to one per person and are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be advised that a standby ticket does not guarantee admission.

On Saturdays, arrive no later than 7:15pm for the 8pm dress rehearsal and 10:45pm for the 11:30pm live show.

Nearby Subway

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