It's funny that 'SNL' literally stands for 'Saturday Night Live!' when the show is aired multiple times over (and at different times). But as one fan pointed out, there is obviously a live audience at the 'SNL' set, and at-home viewers have begun to speculate what it's like to actually be present for filming.
So what is it like to watch 'Saturday Night Live!' live?
Fans Say 'SNL' Is A Pretty Cool Experience
While some fans have complaints about the way 'SNL' sketches have changed over the years, most continue to agree that the show is well worth watching. So if it's that great to see at home, what about in real life?
Those who have attended live tapings say that it's a "pretty cool experience." For one thing, the atmosphere adds something to the viewing experience. The whole crowd is engaged with each sketch, one fan noted, which makes it more immersive than watching on even the biggest TV screen.
Beyond the ambiance, though, there's a lot happening at the 'SNL' set, and fans in the audience get to see it all.
The 'Saturday Night Live!' Set Isn't Larger Than Life
Fans who have attended the live taping of 'SNL' say that the set is actually smaller than one might think. Plus, there are a ton of people bustling around in between scenes and making everything look seamless to viewers at home.
But a lucky few fans got to experience even more than the authentic set-swapping and audience giggling.
One fan explained that when they went to 'SNL' once, they were pulled up to the more exclusive seats at the ground level, right next to where the performers entered and exited the stage.
That fan actually physically bumped into Gwyneth Paltrow, got to watch the comedians waiting by the stage to go on, and got a high five from Bill Hader (that must not have been the night his least-favorite musical guest came on!).
Clearly, the opportunity to meet the cast, traipse around backstage and into an exclusive elevator entrance, and get up close and personal with the stage is every 'SNL' fan's dream. Unfortunately, not everyone gets that kind of experience.
Watching 'SNL' Isn't Always Amazing
Other veteran showgoers explain that it's hit or miss when heading to 30 Rock for a show. For one thing, the seats are unpredictable; sometimes a view of the stage, sometimes not, and there's nothing fans can do about it.
One cool element, though, is that someone from the cast will come out to "warm up the crowd," said one insider. But another bonus? Viewers can even watch the writers' reactions to their jokes, which is a fun insider tidbit that those at home would never get the chance to see. That's definitely worth the effort to track down tickets!