How Saturday Night Live Is Able to Have a Live Audience Amid COVID Restrictions

Updated on Oct 3, 2020 at 6:30 PM

The SNL stage on display during a media preview on May 29, 2015 at the Saturday Night Live: The Exhibition, celebrating the NBC programs 40-year history. The exhibit, which opens May 30, will illustrate a week in the life of SNL's offices and studios in

Season 46 of Saturday Night Live premiered on Oct. 3 with Chris Rock as host and Megan Thee Stallion as the performer. Unlike last season, the show once again had a live audience and was back in Studio 8H at New York City's Rockefeller Center. So, how did SNL make this happen?

According to the SNL ticket site, all guests will be required to take a mandatory COVID-19 test upon arrival and temperature checks will also be administered. Approved face coverings will be required and audience members will be asked a series of questions prior to admission, such as "Have you exhibited any symptoms to COVID-19 in the last 14 days?" and "Have you been in close contact with anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, or anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19, within the past 14 days?" Anyone who has a temperature of 100.4 or higher will not be granted admission, and neither will their party. The New York Times also reported that in order to adhere to the guidelines of prohibiting "live audiences unless they consist only of paid employees, cast and crew," SNL audience members received a $150 check to watch the show.

Celebrity

Fashion

Fitness

Beauty

Love

Family

Shop

How Saturday Night Live Is Able to Have a Live Audience Amid COVID Restrictions

Related

Fabrizio Copano Is Using Comedy to Address Political Wounds

For Mental Health Awareness Month, we asked Latine comedians and creators we admire how comedy has supported them in overcoming trauma and confronting life's most significant challenges.

Gina Brillon: The Loss of My Grandmother Pushed Me to Pursue Comedy

Gina Brillon is a Puerto Rican actress, stand-up comedian, writer, and mom born and raised in the Bronx.

Sasha Merci: How Comedy Has Helped Me Navigate Depression

For Mental Health Awareness Month, we asked Latine comedians and creators we admire how comedy has supported them in overcoming trauma and confronting life's most significant challenges.

Ian Lara: Comedy Gave Me the Strength to Overcome My Mother's Death

Ian Lara is a Dominican American stand-up comedian from Queens, NY, who found internet success after his appearance on "Comedy Central Stand-Up Featuring," which has garnered over 10 million views.

Willow Smith Used Meditation and Workouts to Fuel the Creativity on "Empathogen"

Willow Smith's "b i g f e e l i n g s" is the final song on her new album, "empathogen."

Nicki Nicole Says Rap Music Helped Her Get Out of Her Shell

It's a drizzly Thursday afternoon in New York City, and Nicki Nicole has spent most of her day answering back-to-back interview questions from journalists.

Revisiting Jennifer Lopez’s 2011 Album “Love?” and What It Signifies Today

As the anniversary of Jennifer Lopez's sixth studio album "Love?" approaches, it's a fitting time to reflect on this album's significance within J Lo's career, its impact on fans, and its continued relevance in light of her recent endeavors.

Thalia's "A Mucha Honra" Album Is a Love Letter to Música Mexicana

Throughout her illustrious career, Thalia has proudly represented Mexican culture through her music, iconic looks, and unforgettable performances.

Chuwi Is the Voice of a New Puerto Rican Generation

With a bassy voice and over a minimalist syncopated beat, Wilfredo "Willy" Aldarondo sings of lament.

Camila Mendes on Why We Need More Latine Representation in Rom-Coms

A simple Google search of "the best rom-coms of all time" will take you down a nostalgic hole of '90s and early-'00s movies like "10 Things I Hate About You," "While You Were Sleeping," and "P.S.

Saraciea Fennell: "The Black Girl Survives in This One" Is the Representation I Didn't See in Horror Books

I've always been obsessed with horror.

Selena Quintanilla Deserves to Be Celebrated This Year — Not Exploited

Fifty-three years ago today, the world was blessed with the birth of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, who became an eternal icon in Latin pop culture and music.