Where to get SNL tickets for 2025?

Getting into the studio audience of SNL is like scoring tickets to comedy gold. If you’ve ever dreamed of watching your favorite cast members perform live, laugh alongside celebrities, or you just want to say “I was there!”—then you're in luck! The show may air weekly, but the opportunity to get a seat inside Studio 8H doesn’t come around that often.

Each season, SNL opens its exclusive ticket lottery just once. And if that doesn’t work out, there’s still hope—through the in-person standby line. While both routes take some planning and patience, thousands attempt it every year. Why? Because being part of the SNL audience is an iconic New York experience.

Let’s break down how you can land tickets, either through the lottery or standby, and what you need to know before you show up to 30 Rockefeller Plaza.

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How to enter the SNL ticket lottery

The main way to get SNL tickets is through their official lottery. For the 2025–2026 season, the window opens at 12:00am EST on August 1, 2025, and closes at 11:59pm EST on August 31, 2025. All you need to do is send one (and only one!) email to [email protected].

In your email, include your full name and explain why you'd love to be part of the live audience. NBC doesn’t share how winners are chosen, so get creative—but keep it genuine. Just remember, submitting early won’t increase your chances. What matters is that your email arrives within the lottery window.

Winners are randomly selected and given two tickets for a mystery date. If you're picked, you’ll get a confirmation email. If not, you won't hear back. Tickets are free, and as NBC clearly states, any attempt to buy or sell them can get your tickets revoked.

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Age, ID, and other important rules to know

Before you start crafting your dream email or packing for standby, here’s a rundown of the rules to help you get started. First things first: you must be at least 16 years old to attend a SNL taping. No exceptions. Even if your parents are with you, under 16s won't be let in.

Everyone in your group must bring a valid photo ID that shows your date of birth. No ID, no entry. NBC takes this seriously, so don’t forget it at home.

Tickets are non-transferable. If you’re chosen in the lottery or make it through the standby process, you can’t give your spot to a friend or try to swap dates. NBC reserves the right to revoke tickets for any reason—especially if rules aren't followed. NBC clearly states,

“Any ticket may be REVOKED at any time at the discretion of show personnel.”

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Can’t win the lottery? Try the standby line

Missed out on the lottery or feeling lucky? You still have a shot with the standby line. Every SNL episode offers a limited number of standby cards for both the 8pm dress rehearsal and the 11:30pm live show.

To try this, you must first reserve a spot online. The link opens at 10am on the Thursday before each show. Once you sign up, you’ll get a reservation number by email. Be patient—it might take a few hours.

“The response time is based on demand,”

says an NBC rep.

“Just don’t submit more than once. Only your latest reservation will count.”

After you get your number, you must check in—in person—on Friday between 6pm and 7pm at the NBC Studios Marquee (49 W. 49th Street). Everyone must be present with ID. Your place in line depends on your reservation number, so be there on time!

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What to expect during standby check-in

Once you’ve checked in, you'll be placed in numerical order. This is your queue for the standby cards, which are handed out at 12:01am Saturday morning. Yes, that means camping out overnight—but there are rules!

Only regular chairs are allowed. No tents, no mattresses, no alcohol, and definitely no sleeping bags. You can take quick bathroom breaks, but you must stay in line. NBC staff have eyes on everything, and if you wander off for too long, you might lose your spot.

Each person gets one standby card, and they’re also non-transferable. Again, you’ll need your ID to receive it. Even with a card, however, there's no guarantee you’ll get in. It depends on how many seats are available after ticket holders are seated. But if you’re lucky, you might just score a seat to see SNL in real time.

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Quick tips before you go

Before wrapping up, here’s a quick checklist to keep things smooth:

• Lottery emails must be sent between August 1–31, 2025. Only one per person.
• Include your full name and a short note about why you want to attend.
• You must be 16+ with a valid photo ID to enter Studio 8H.
• Lottery winners are notified via email; if you don’t get one, you weren’t selected.
• To try standby, register online the Thursday before a show.
• Show up Friday between 6–7pm with ID for check-in.
• No line-sitters, no camping gear, and no rescheduling.

Above all, follow instructions carefully. NBC staff are helpful but strict when it comes to protocol. As their official statement puts it:

“We want to make sure the standby process is fair for everyone.”

And with that—you’re ready to chase down those elusive SNL tickets. Good luck, and here’s hoping you get to hear “Live from New York...” in person.