The cast of SNL'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.
Per Deadline, some of the cast of SNL have discussed the show moving back to the historic 17th floor for season 50, discussing how it has been great for morale. Bowen Yang, who ed the show as a writer in season 44, before becoming a cast member from season 45, itted 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 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 of Saturday 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 connected Saturday Night Live cast long-term, which should help to improve the quality of the shows that are produced.
Saturday Night Live is an institution, and having everything in place behind the scenes is integral to producing the best possible show.
Indeed, the fact that Saturday Night Live season 50 is the most-watched season for three years reflects the new dynamic in place, and it isn't difficult to imagine that the return to the 17th floor played some factor in it. SNL is a show that has always thrived on the strength of its writers and the electricity between its cast , 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 Live is 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 where Saturday Night Live might move again in the future.
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Source: Deadline

Saturday Night Live
- Release Date
- October 11, 1975
- Network
- NBC
- Showrunner
- Lorne Michaels
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.
- Directors
- Dave Wilson, Don Roy King, Liz Patrick, Andy Warhol, Linda Lee Cadwell, Matthew Meshekoff, Paul Miller, Robert Altman, Robert Smigel
- Writers
- Will Forte, Chris Parnell, Asa Taccone, John Lutz, Tom Schiller, Simon Rich, Michael Patrick O'Brien, Nicki Minaj, Herbert Sargent, Matt Piedmont, John Solomon, Chris Kelly, Alan Zweibel, Kent Sublette, Ari Katcher, Marika Sawyer, Sarah Schnedier, Scott Jung, Justin Franks, Jerrod Bettis, Rhiannon Bryan
- Main Genre
- Comedy
- Producers
- Lorne Michaels, Lindsay Shookus, Erik Kenward, James Downey, Jean Doumanian, Ken Aymong, Marci Klein, Michael Shoemaker, Erin Doyle, Steve Higgins, Al Franken, Dick Ebersol, Gary Weis
- Seasons
- 50
- Story By
- Colin Jost
- Streaming Service(s)
- Peacock
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