Why the NBC Studios & SNL tour is a must-visit at Rockefeller Center

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Behind-the-scenes look at the studios

Get a look at the production process and the stages that make your favorite shows come to life with a behind-the-scenes look around at studios within NBC Studios.

Learn about the process

From the stage production, lighting, to set design, gain valuable insights into what goes into making each sketch, set, and show.

Stories & legends

Saturday Night Live production stories, highlights about famous shows like 30 Rock, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and more, all await as you walk across the stages and grounds of NBC Studios.

Evolution of NBC Studios

From radio to television, learn about NBC’s journey to becoming known as the birthplace of broadcast television.

History of television

Ideal for history and television buffs, you get to learn about the history and development of television over the years on one of the most historically significant grounds in terms of broadcast television.

Interesting facts about NBC Studios & Saturday Night Live

NBC, founded in 1926, is the first and oldest commercial broadcasting network in the US.
Built in 1933, Studio 8H, part of NBC Studios, used to be the world’s largest radio studio at the time (large enough to house a full orchestra). It was converted for television in 1950 and has been known to host SNL since its first show in 1975.
Saturday Night Live used to borrow seats from the Yankees in its early days to fit in its audience members.
The Page Program at NBC was first launched in 1933 and is still operational in New York and Los Angeles.
Lorne Michaels, the producer of Saturday Night Live, offered $3,000 to the Beatles in 1976 to reunite live on the show during its first season.
The writers at SNL craft around 40 to 50 sketches per week, but no more than 8 make it into each live episode.
SNL was partly created because Johnny Carson, the host of The Tonight Show, wanted more time (weekends) off.

Know before you go

Camera prohibited sign with a red circle and slash.

Timings: Vary, depending on the production schedule.
Studios covered: Vary, depending on the production schedule.
Age requirements: Children under 8 cannot participate in the NBC Studios tour.
Shows access: Not included with the tour ticket.
Photography restrictions: Photography is not permitted on the NBC Studios premises because of the behind-the-scenes nature of the tour.
Accessibility: NBC Studios is wheelchair accessible. You can bring your service animals with you on the tour. ASL interpreters are also available upon request; however, requests must be made at least five days in advance.

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What to expect on your NBC Studio & SNL tour at Rockefeller Center

Where is NBC Studios located

Why the NBC Studios & SNL tour is a must-visit at Rockefeller Center

Behind-the-scenes look at the studios

Learn about the process

Stories & legends

Evolution of NBC Studios

History of television

Interesting facts about NBC Studios & Saturday Night Live

Know before you go

Book Rockefeller Center tickets

Hear from our guests

Frequently asked questions about NBC Studio tours at Rockefeller Center

Does the NBC Studios tour include live tapings?

Is the NBC Studios tour kid-friendly?

Can I view all the studios on my NBC Studios tour?

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