Saturday Night Live (SNL) is gearing up for its 50th anniversary celebration, set for February 16, 2025, and the excitement is palpable. The legendary sketch show has become emblematic of American television, having entertained audiences since its debut on October 11, 1975, with George Carlin as the very first host. To mark this historical milestone, cast members including Heidi Gardner, Ego Nwodim, and Chloe Fineman recently gave fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Studio 8H, the iconic New York City studio where the show has been filmed since its inception.
During the tour, which was showcased through various media outlets, viewers got to experience SNL’s unique blend of comedy and chaos, showcasing various departments from hair and makeup to set design. These insights come just before the special broadcast, “SNL50: The Anniversary Special,” which is expected to feature special guests such as Bad Bunny, Miley Cyrus, and Tom Hanks.
Walking through the studio and its storied history, Fineman reflected on the original home base for the hosts—a set resembling Grand Central Terminal, adorned with decor reflecting the essence of New York. According to Akira Yoshimura, who has worked on the show since its first episode, the home base set has evolved over the years, embodying various designs but consistently representing New York’s vibrant culture.
“The very first home base we did represented a comedy club; now, the Grand Central design nails it,” Yoshimura stated. One artifact remains unchanged: the clock. This clock has been part of the studio’s fabric for 50 years, vigilantly maintained by stagehand Joe Riley, serving as the official timekeeper of the chaotic SNL schedule.
The logistical prowess required to execute each episode is monumental—the production relies on approximately 540 staff members across numerous departments. Gardner noted the intense set transitions: “During the break between the cold open and the monologue, they are rolling up carpet and taking down walls. It's like clockwork.” Such quick changes are necessary, as many sketches are performed on the same stage each night, sometimes requiring transformations within mere moments.
Another fascinating aspect revealed during the tour is the show's reliance on handwritten cue cards. Gardner explained, “We create approximately 1,000 cue cards for every show. They are our oxygen.” This simple yet effective tool is color-coded to help cast members navigate their lines during live performances.
One notable room within the studio is the makeup lab, where molds of cast members’ faces are created, facilitating the quick application of prosthetics and special effects for sketches. “We can create everything from mustaches to full character faces, all from these molds,” Fineman explained. The technicians work tirelessly, as Gardner highlighted, “The time crunch is significant, especially on show days.”
Complementing the talented makeup team, SNL's hair department prepares for each episode with approximately 80 custom wigs, showcasing the artistry behind character transformation. Jodi Mancuso, head of hair design, shared, “Most wigmakers need 80 hours to produce one wig, but our turnaround is much quicker.” This rapid creation process ensures each sketch is visually rich and aligned with the show’s comedic vision.
The wardrobe department also plays a pivotal role, intricately selecting costumes to fit each sketch’s narrative. According to Tom Broecker, the head costumer, “On any episode, we install roughly 100 to 150 costumes, depending on the sketches’ needs.” Broecker identified the backroom as both chaotic and magical, with racks of clothes ready to bring sketches to life and provide insight to the cast about their roles.
Cast members also share insights about their personal experiences at SNL. Nwodim mentioned, “Being part of this show, especially during the 50th, showcases so much resilience. It feels surreal.” Meanwhile, Gardner reflected on the thrill of encountering A-list celebrities backstage, recalling interactions with people like Steven Spielberg and Leonardo DiCaprio during her early tenure on the show.
The emotional weight of being part of SNL's legacy was emphasized by several cast members. For Gardner, the 50th anniversary marks not just time but continuity, “It’s about having shared experiences with comedy legends.” The creative legacy of women on the show is also celebrated—Padilla commented on the significant influence and representation SNL has provided for women comedians over the years.
“The ability for women to present their stories authentically on this platform is powerful,” Padilla stated. Meanwhile, the current cast continues to honor and contribute to the show's vibrant history, ensuring SNL remains at the forefront of comedic innovation.
This anniversary promises not only nostalgia but celebration—bringing together generations of viewers and creators to reflect on the impact SNL has had on comedic and television culture. The 50th anniversary special is anticipated not merely as another episode but as a historic event bridging the past, present, and future of sketch comedy.
Mark February 16, 2025, on your calendars for SNL50, as it promises unforgettable moments, laughter, and reflections from one of television’s most beloved and most enduring institutions.