The path to becoming a writer for Saturday Night Live is one of the most competitive entry points in television comedy. For decades, the show’s writers’ room has served as a powerful launching pad for some of the industry’s most influential creators. Navigating this process requires more than talent; it demands a precise understanding of the show’s unique application and production demands. This guide details the specific steps and expectations for those hoping to join the ranks of the long-running sketch comedy institution.
The Reality of the SNL Writer’s Room
The work environment at SNL is defined by an intense, six-day weekly production schedule. The week begins on Monday with a pitch meeting where the writers and cast present ideas to the host and executive producer Lorne Michaels. This meeting helps establish the direction for the week.
Tuesday is the primary writing day, often stretching into an all-night session that lasts until Wednesday morning. Writers are expected to produce multiple complete sketches during this period. The pressure stems from the sheer volume of output, as writers collectively produce around 40 sketches each week for the table read.
The read-through takes place on Wednesday afternoon, where the entire staff and host read every submitted script aloud. Only about 10 to 12 sketches are selected for rehearsal and production, meaning the vast majority of material is discarded after the first reading. This environment requires a high degree of resilience, as writers must quickly process rejection and immediately pivot to developing new material for the following week.
Essential Writing Skills and Mindset
A successful SNL writer must possess a rare combination of speed, topical knowledge, and stylistic flexibility. The show’s live, weekly format necessitates the ability to write timely material that comments on current events almost instantaneously. Writers must be able to move from pitch to polished script in a matter of hours, making rapid execution a core professional requirement.
Versatility is paramount, as writers need to produce material tailored for a diverse cast and a rotating roster of guest hosts. This means shifting seamlessly between broad farce, political satire, commercial parodies, and observational comedy. The job also demands a collaborative mindset, where writers must be willing to share credit, accept extensive rewrites, and contribute to the work of others without ego.
A writer must develop a thick skin, as only a small fraction of their output ever makes it to air. The funniest material is chosen regardless of who wrote it, forcing writers to focus on the work rather than personal attachment to an idea. This constant cycle of creation and culling tests a writer’s stamina and commitment to the show’s demanding pace.
Building the Necessary Comedy Portfolio
SNL rarely hires writers who lack a substantial background in professional comedy. The most competitive candidates demonstrate a proven ability to perform, write, and develop a distinct comedic voice that can adapt to the show’s needs.
Improv and Sketch Comedy Performance
Formal training and performance experience at established sketch and improv theaters are highly valued by the show’s producers. Institutions such as The Groundlings, The Second City, and the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) offer structured training that teaches the fundamentals of comedic timing, scene work, and character development. Performing regularly at these theaters allows a writer to understand firsthand how comedy lands with a live audience, which is an experience that translates directly to the SNL stage.
Staff Writing Experience on Other Shows
Gaining experience on other late-night or sketch television programs provides concrete evidence of a writer’s ability to function in a professional writers’ room. This work demonstrates an understanding of television production workflow. A prior staff writer credit signals that a candidate is accustomed to the demands of writing under pressure for a production schedule.
Developing a Unique Comedic Voice
While a writer must be able to execute the show’s house style, they must also cultivate a unique comedic perspective that distinguishes their work. The submission packet should contain sketches that could only have been written by the applicant, showcasing originality and a specific point of view. Finding this balance means demonstrating the ability to write a strong, SNL-style cold open while also presenting concepts that push the boundaries of the show’s typical format.
Crafting the Killer Submission Packet
The official submission packet process is a yearly pathway for aspiring writers. The submission period typically opens in the summer, generally with a deadline in mid-July, and is managed through an official portal or email address. Candidates are usually required to upload their entire submission as a single PDF file.
The packet generally requires a total of three to five sketches, which must include a commercial parody and a topical sketch focused on current political or pop culture events. The remaining pieces should be the writer’s strongest work, showcasing their unique style and range. It is mandatory to cast all scenes using the first names of the current SNL cast members to demonstrate an understanding of the show’s ensemble and their strengths.
Sketches should be tightly written, typically running no longer than three to five pages. Writers must avoid material that is overly dependent on elaborate physical staging or complex visual effects that would be difficult to produce live in a week. Successful packets feature strong, surprising premises that are immediately clear and contain a high density of jokes.
Navigating the Interview and Trial Process
A small number of candidates whose packets make it through the initial reading phase are invited to interview with the head writers and producers. This stage often takes place in the weeks leading up to the start of the new season. The interview is a chance for the team to assess the writer’s personality, collaborative spirit, and ability to handle the show’s intense atmosphere.
Following the formal interviews, some candidates may be asked to participate in a “trial” writing week. During this period, the prospective writer works alongside the full staff, participating in the Monday pitch meeting and writing sketches for the Tuesday all-nighter. This trial serves as a practical audition, allowing the producers to see how the candidate performs under actual production pressure.
The ability to contribute to the group dynamic is assessed as carefully as the quality of the submitted material, with the show looking for writers who are both funny and easy to work with. Final hiring decisions are often made very close to the season premiere, with successful candidates receiving an offer only a couple of weeks before the first show airs. Candidates who are not selected are typically not notified, with the absence of a response serving as the rejection.
Non-Traditional Paths to the SNL Stage
While the official packet submission is the most direct route, many writers have joined the staff through less conventional means. One established path involves working in the orbit of the show’s producers or former cast members. Connections forged in the New York or Los Angeles comedy scenes, particularly within respected improv theaters, can lead to a writer being personally recommended by a scout or a current cast member.
Another route is being hired initially as a Featured Player who is known to write their own material. These performers often transition into the writers’ room after proving their creative capabilities on screen. Writers who achieve viral success with short films or web content have also been noticed and brought onto the staff.
Career Trajectory After SNL
A tenure in the SNL writers’ room provides a professional credential that opens doors across the entertainment industry. Former writers frequently transition into highly successful careers as television showrunners, feature film writers, and series creators. The experience of producing a new show every week builds a unique skillset in rapid development and execution that is highly sought after.
Many writers go on to develop their own sitcoms, late-night programs, or streaming series. The show’s alumni network is vast and influential, providing further opportunities for collaboration and career advancement. Working at SNL is widely recognized as a rigorous, high-level training ground for the next generation of creative leaders in Hollywood.