Studio 8H

The set of Saturday Night Live in 8H

Studio 8H is a 6,102-square-foot (566.9 m2) television studio in New York City in the United States. The studio is a part of NBC Studios, where the NBC television network is, at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. It is known for having the live recording of Saturday Night Live, which has been shown from the studio since the show's creation in 1975.

Construction

Studio 8H was built in 1933. It was meant to be used for orchestras and radio variety programs with big studio audiences.[1] When it was built, Studio 8H was the world's biggest radio studio. It was 132 by 78 feet (40 × 24 m) feet big, and it was three stories tall, which could fit a full orchestra.[2] It was used for television in 1950, mostly for the live showing of Kraft Television Theatre.[3]

History

 
NBC Symphony Orchestra performing in 8H (still from a 1944 film)

Studio 8H is now best known for showing the NBC sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live, which is recorded live.[4] Two episodes of NBC sitcom 30 Rock, "Live Show" and "Live from Studio 6H" were also recorded live from the studio.[5][6]

References

  1. Bartlett, William. "NBC and 30 Rock". NBCUniversal Media. p. 79.
  2. Blesser, Barry; Salter, Linda-Ruth (18 September 2009). Spaces Speak, Are You Listening?: Experiencing Aural Architecture. p. 115. ISBN 9780262250702. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
  3. Alleman, Richard (6 March 2013). New York: The Movie Lover's Guide: The Ultimate Insider Tour of Movie New York. Crown/Archetype. p. 59. ISBN 9780804137782. Retrieved June 16, 2016.
  4. Bliss, Karen (March 27, 2012). "Saturday Night Live: Ever Wonder How it's Shot?". The Huffington Post. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/karen-bliss/saturday-night-live_b_1381038.html. Retrieved June 16, 2016. 
  5. Chozick, Amy (July 30, 2010). "NBC to Air Live '30 Rock,' May Expand Sitcom Slate". The Wall Street Journal. https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2010/07/30/nbc-to-air-live-30-rock-may-expand-sitcom-slate/. Retrieved June 16, 2016. 
  6. Harnick, Chris (April 27, 2012). "'30 Rock': 'Live From Studio 6H' Was Much Needed". The Huffington Post. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-harnick/30-rock-live-from-studio-6h-review_b_1458637.html. Retrieved June 16, 2016. 

Coordinates: 40°45′32″N 73°58′44″W / 40.759000°N 73.979000°W / 40.759000; -73.979000