Ever wondered what it’s like behind the scenes at Saturday Night Live? It’s a world of late nights, quick changes, and unpredictable schedules, especially for someone working hard to make the show happen each week. Let’s take a peek into a typical food diary, imagining it’s from someone we’ll call John Higgins – a name that might sound familiar, but in this context, represents just one of the many unsung heroes at SNL. Prepare to be surprised by the sometimes chaotic, sometimes gourmet, but always essential fuel that keeps the SNL machine running.
Friday mornings start early. For our hypothetical “John Higgins,” 7 am at the studio means one thing: coffee. Lots of it. 48 ounces to be exact, black as night, and maybe, just maybe, a forgotten glass of water. Then, adding a touch of childhood nostalgia to the adult chaos, a packet of Gushers. It’s not exactly a balanced breakfast, but in the whirlwind of SNL, sometimes you grab what you can.
Packet of Gushers on a table, representing a quick and sugary breakfast choice for busy individuals like John Higgins behind the scenes at SNL
Hours later, after the caffeine and sugar have done their initial work, lunch arrives. And it’s not just any lunch. Imagine a spread from Del Frisco’s! Grilled chicken and mashed potatoes – a classic, comforting choice. Steak might be the restaurant’s star, but for studio delivery, chicken is the practical, travel-friendly option. Adding to the feast, a shrimp cocktail. Though intended for sharing, in true SNL fashion, sometimes plans change, and you end up with a double portion. No complaints here.
Shrimp cocktail from Del Frisco's, a luxurious lunch choice contrasting with the earlier Gushers, showcasing the varied eating habits of someone like John Higgins at SNL
Friday at SNL bleeds into Saturday. Sleep becomes a precious commodity grabbed whenever possible. For our “John Higgins,” home means immediate rest. Weekends at SNL are notorious for disrupting normal routines, especially when it comes to eating. Everything is dictated by the show’s demanding schedule.
Saturday mornings offer a moment of domesticity. Waking up with family – wife Emily and dog Stella – is a grounding start. Coffee is still essential, but this time, it’s from a Jura espresso machine, a touch of home luxury. The day then shifts to editing, a crucial part of the SNL week, shaping the sketches that will air.
Jura espresso machine, representing a touch of domestic comfort and quality coffee for John Higgins during a busy SNL weekend
Sunday provides a chance to reclaim some normalcy. Despite the earlier Gushers, there’s a love for cooking. Sunday after the show becomes cooking day. This week’s creation: marinated boneless short ribs from Citarella, glazed in teriyaki. Bell peppers and a toasted sesame salad complete the meal. A home-cooked, satisfying end to a hectic SNL week, enjoyed with loved ones.
Teriyaki marinated short ribs with sesame salad, showcasing a home-cooked meal and culinary interest of someone like John Higgins after a busy SNL week
And finally, a glimpse beyond the food. Here are some behind-the-scenes photos from the “Skydiving Digital Short,” offering a peek into another aspect of the SNL world that “John Higgins” and countless others contribute to. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the creativity, the teamwork, and the sheer effort that goes into making Saturday Night Live happen every week.
Behind-the-scenes photo from SNL's Skydiving Digital Short, showing a camera and production crew on set, representing the collaborative effort at SNL
Another behind-the-scenes image from SNL's Skydiving Digital Short, with crew members and equipment, highlighting the production aspect of SNL sketches
