CHATTER AWAY: Overnight Open Thread

Deadline Hollywood reports:

Saturday Night Live came back during the weekend to kick off its 46th season, but after months since COVID-19 ravaged New York, much has changed. To ensure that the in-studio production is adhering to state guidelines, audience members of the beloved late-night sketch series received a check for $150 to watch the show.

SNL paid audience members to adhere to coronavirus guidelines noting that shows “must prohibit live audiences unless they consist only of paid employees, cast and crew.”

By cutting audience members a check and essentially treating them as extras for their weekly sketch show, the NBC show safely brought back the live studio audience and continues to comply with state regulations.

Had an incredible time tonight at @nbcsnl. Here’s the kicker: we didn’t know it until after but we were PAID for our time, likely to meet New York State’s requirements for only paid staff to be in the audience pic.twitter.com/Qp3XmFBjLB

— Sean Ludwig (@seanludwig) October 4, 2020