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

Timings

RECOMMENDED DURATION

5+ hours

NBC Studios neon sign at Rockefeller Center during guided tour in New York City.

Get behind the scenes of your favorite shows and programs at NBC Studios. See where and how they get made, and learn more about what goes into creating the magic that you see on screen.

Where is NBC Studios located

Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112, United States | Find on Maps

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

Broadcast technician operating control panel in a TV studio.
Broadcast television camera setup with lighting capturing a press conference.
Camcorder setup capturing a television broadcast with three people in discussion.
On Air sign at a broadcasting studio
Old television in a retro furnished room with floral wallpaper.
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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.

Frequently asked questions about NBC Studio tours at Rockefeller Center

Does the NBC Studios tour include live tapings?

No, you cannot sit in on live tapings with your NBC Studios tour. You have to purchase the tickets to live shows separately.

Is the NBC Studios tour kid-friendly?

Children above the age of 8 can participate in the NBC Studios tour and take a behind-the-scenes look at the programs they watch on screen for an informative and entertaining experience.

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

No, the schedule and viewing access depend on the studio availability, based on the ongoing production schedule.

More reads

The Tonight Show sign at NBC Studios with people on a busy New York City street.

About

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