SNL Returns To Studio 8H And Here’s How That Works In A Pandemic

Remote control in the hand against pop-corn and TV-set

By @emilyontheradio

Brace yourself for a sense of normalcy because Saturday Night Live is back for real on October 3 with Host Chris Rock and Musical Guest Megan Thee Stallion!

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Season 46. October 3.

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Hellllllo, Season 46! I don’t know about you, but I feel like I have torn through all the new stuff to stream and sometimes I need a break from watching ER on Hulu… So I am EXCITED about another season of the only live television I bother to watch anymore.

But there’s still a pandemic happening, so how will they pull this off live from Studio 8H without spreading COVID all over the place? The plan involves heat sensors at the entrance of the building with a rapid-results COVID test necessary for entry. In total, it should take about 15 minutes to decide if someone may or may not come in. Executive producer Lorne Michaels says big staff meetings have been greatly reduced in capacity (from about 40 people down to 3, MAX).

According to Today, cast members will wear a masks until the last second before their sketches.

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🔜 #SNLPremiere 🔜

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If this doesn’t bring the nostalgia for you, have a seat because very soon you’ll be able to stream ALL 45 SEASONS of the series. Right now you can only see select seasons on Hulu, but starting October 1, every single season will be available on NBC’s own streaming platform, Peacock, per Entertainment Weekly.

I’m excited to see those familiar faces but also see how the heck you navigate a live sketch comedy show in and out of masks. And I reeeeeally hope it works.

@emilyontheradio