Honouring the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live (SNL), NBC announced their latest immersive attraction opening at the end of this month.
Imagine if you could sit where Chevy Chase, Kevin Nealon, Norm Macdonald, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler once sat on the Weekend Update. Well now, you do not have to just have to imagine. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live (SNL), NBC announced today that it is launching an immersive, Studio 8-H-inspired experience for fans called Live From New York: The SNL50 Experience. The limited-time experience will run from January 30-February 2, 2025, at the Rockefeller Center.
The event is free and open to the public (ages 18 and up), with reservations available on a first-come, first-served basis starting Jan. 14. It has been half a century since TV audiences began spending Saturday nights watching SNL. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans to get as close as possible to the sets used in many tapings. You might even hear some Maya Rudolph impressions of Michelle Obama! I’m considering booking a ticket from Toronto to New York City for this exclusive exhibit.
The SNL50 Experience provided a description of what visitors can expect: “From the thrill of hearing your name announced as you burst through the stage doors to rolling your chair up to the Weekend Update desk, every attendee will experience both the on-camera magic and off-camera rush of SNL; with surprises and callbacks around every corner that celebrate 50 years of famed sketches and the signature spontaneous nature that’s defined the series since 1975.” Phil Hartman’s impressions of Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and Donald Trump were a sight to see and showcased his rare talent.
SNL50 is a major milestone for NBC and the television and entertainment industry. It has been one of the highest-rated platforms for launching the careers of comedians and entertainers from diverse backgrounds—while also showcasing up-and-coming musical guests, political figures, and other notable personalities. And, of course, those figures often became the subjects of satire (on live television!). Some of the best-known comedians to have graced the show include Eddie Murphy, Robin Williams, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Chris Farley and Mike Myers, to name just a few. It remains the most Emmy-winning show in history, with 101 wins, including awards for its specials and short-form series.
The show, created and still executive-produced by Lorne Michaels, has received two Peabody Awards (1990 and 2009) and was inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Jason Reitman’s film Saturday Night, released last year, chronicles the chaotic hours leading up to the first broadcast. This event is the perfect way to build excitement for the three-hour primetime broadcast of SNL50: The Anniversary Special. The special will air live on NBC and Peacock on Sunday, Feb. 16.
Don’t forget: tickets are free and will be available starting Jan. 14 on the official 1iota ticketing website.