At 30 Rockefeller Plaza, located in the heart of Manhattan, New York City, there is a bustling hub of television production. The iconic NBC Studios, situated within this historic building, has been the backdrop for numerous popular TV shows, movies, and even live events.
One of the most notable shows filmed at 30 Rockefeller Plaza is “30 Rock.” This critically acclaimed comedy series, created by and starring Tina Fey, takes a hilarious behind-the-scenes look at a fictional sketch comedy show called “TGS with Tracy Jordan.” The show cleverly incorporates the real-life setting of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, using it as the workplace for its eccentric characters. The studio scenes and office spaces depicted in “30 Rock” were actually filmed on the premises, giving the show an authentic feel.
Another hit comedy series that utilized the NBC Studios at 30 Rockefeller Plaza is “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” Created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, this show follows the story of Kimmy Schmidt, a woman who escapes from a doomsday cult and starts a new life in New York City. The interior shots of the apartment building where Kimmy and her friends live were filmed in the studios at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, further integrating the real location into the show’s storyline.
One of the longest-running and most iconic shows to have originated from 30 Rockefeller Plaza is “Saturday Night Live.” This legendary sketch comedy and variety show has been a staple of American television since it first aired in 1975. The show is famous for its live performances, celebrity guest hosts, and its ability to captivate audiences with its timely and satirical content. The majority of “Saturday Night Live” episodes are filmed in Studio 8H at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, creating a sense of tradition and history within the building.
Beyond television shows, 30 Rockefeller Plaza has also served as a filming location for movies. One notable example is the biographical film “Man on the Moon,” which chronicles the life and career of the eccentric comedian Andy Kaufman. The movie includes scenes depicting the production of Kaufman’s appearances on “Saturday Night Live,” which were filmed on the actual set at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the film.
In addition to scripted television shows and movies, 30 Rockefeller Plaza has been the home of numerous live events and talk shows. For example, “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” was filmed at the NBC Studios in this building from 1962 to 1992, making it an iconic part of late-night television history.
To summarize, 30 Rockefeller Plaza is a hub of television production and has been the setting for a wide range of shows and events. From beloved sitcoms like “30 Rock” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” to the long-running sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live,” this iconic building has played a significant role in shaping the entertainment industry. Additionally, it has been a location for movies and hosted famous talk shows. The rich history and versatility of 30 Rockefeller Plaza continue to make it a prominent destination for television and film production.