SNL Returns to Legendary 17th Floor Boosting Morale and Show Quality

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Discussing a significant milestone, the cast of Saturday Night Live has shared their excitement about the legendary sketch show resuming its original residence on the 17th floor at 30 Rock for season 50. For four decades, SNL’s read-throughs took place on the 17th floor, but due to the COVID pandemic, the team moved to Studio 8H during season 45 for more space. Last year, they returned to the 17th floor for the 50th Anniversary Special, and many of the cast members have expressed positive feelings about this change, saying it feels like the show is back in its rightful home.

By the specified deadline, there have been talks among some SNL cast members about returning to the historic 17th floor for season 50. They expressed that this move has boosted morale significantly. Joining the show as a writer in season 44 and becoming a cast member in season 45, Bowen Yang emphasized the significance of this relocation. Yang mentioned that the move was uplifting and reminiscent of a return to the show’s origins. Ego Nwodim concurred, likening the move to coming home. Here are some quotes from Yang:

1. “The move back to the 17th floor is a big deal. It feels like we’re returning to our roots.”
2. “This move has been great for morale. It’s like coming home in a way.”

Initially, our reading spot was located on the 17th floor for the first 45 seasons. However, due to Covid-19 necessitating work within limited spaces, and needing a larger area, we shifted to the [8H] floor. After four years, this change has significantly altered our spatial awareness as the week progresses.

Returning to our 17th-floor location revives an energizing sensation. The triumphs feel more substantial, while the setbacks seem less crushing – a morale booster for us all. It’s as if we’ve come home, reconnecting with the essence of our show and finding ways to connect with its original spirit, despite being a fresh, determined team.

What This Means For SNL Season 50

A Return To The 17th Floor Should Make For A Closer & More Connected Cast

Returning to the 17th floor is a major milestone for the team behind Saturday Night Live, and this significant change will influence how future episodes are created. Coming back to such an iconic location feels like a kind of homecoming for the show, inspiring everyone involved in the process. It’s likely that this move will foster a closer and more united cast of Saturday Night Live, ultimately enhancing the quality of their productions.

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but notice that the record-breaking viewership of Saturday Night Live (SNL) during its 50th season for three consecutive years speaks volumes about the fresh energy at play. It’s not hard to speculate that the move back to the iconic 17th floor has had something to do with this resurgence.

SNL has always been a show that feeds on the power of its writers and the palpable chemistry among its cast members. The inspiration they draw from being back in their familiar surroundings will undoubtedly enhance the camaraderie behind the scenes, leading to a funnier, more vibrant season overall.

Our Take On SNL’s Move Back To The 17th Floor

The Show Is Unlikely To Move Again Now

After necessitating the shift to Studio 8H due to social distancing guidelines and space constraints, the idea of going back home for the show feels fitting. The long-standing institution that is Saturday Night Live requires a well-organized setup backstage to deliver top-notch performances. This classic move takes the show back to a location brimming with history, where countless legendary events unfolded, making it hard to imagine any future moves for Saturday Night Live.

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2025-06-05 16:17