Since Saturday Night Live first hit the airwaves in 1975, cast members have shared a special connection with New York City - not just as their workplace, but as their adopted home. The city's energy, late-night adventures, and even humble bodegas have shaped their experiences both on and off screen.
"New York teaches you to be scrappy," says cast member Heidi Gardner, recalling her first apartment in Bushwick - a fifth-floor walkup with questionable heating but rent she could afford on a waitress salary. "Those early struggles make the best comedy material."
For many cast members, their pre-fame New York jobs read like a sitcom plotline. Ego Nwodim worked as a hostess at an Upper West Side restaurant, while Bowen Yang balanced barista shifts with improv classes. These day jobs not only paid the bills but provided endless inspiration for characters and sketches.
When asked about their favorite New York moments, late-night food runs emerge as a common thread. "The bodega sandwich is sacred," explains Kenan Thompson. "My order hasn't changed in 20 years - turkey and cheese with extra hot sauce at 2 AM after rehearsal."
The cast's love affair with New York extends beyond convenience stores. From surprise comedy shows at tiny Lower East Side venues to impromptu cast dinners in Chinatown, the city's spontaneity keeps them inspired. "Where else can you catch a jazz show at midnight, grab dumplings at 2 AM, and still make it to work the next day?" muses Cecily Strong.
As SNL continues its run at 30 Rock, each new generation of cast members adds their own chapter to the show's New York story. Through cramped apartments, late-night bodega runs, and countless subway adventures, the city remains both their comedic muse and beloved home.
"This city keeps you humble but also makes you feel like anything's possible," reflects Colin Jost. "That's exactly the energy we try to bring to every show."
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