How ‘SNL’ episodes come together in 1 week — with ‘very involved’ Lorne Michaels

nypost.com:

two specials airing Feb. 14 and Feb. 16, Raywood, who has been on “SNL” since 1985, revealed what it takes to make the NBC variety show run smoothly. “I’ve been a part of this pretty much my entire adult life,” Raywood told The Post. “I’ve always looked at it as something I love doing, but it’s also my job,” the Emmy-winning production designer added. “We’re not designing things aware of what it might mean – like ‘this cowbell is going to become iconic’” he said, referring to the famous “More Cowbell!” sketch featuring Will Ferrell and Christopher Walken. “You don’t know about [the audience reaction].

You’re just part of the entire process.”“It’s only recently that I’ve become aware of how much the show has meant to people, how much it’s meant to the culture, how much it’s meant to New York.

I wasn’t really aware of that until fairly recently. It’s very satisfying to know that I’ve been a part of all that.”To celebrate 50 years on the air, “Saturday Night Live” is having a 50th anniversary special airing on a rare Sunday (Feb.

16 at 8 p.m. on NBC and Peacock) called “SNL50: The Anniversary Special,” which has many iconic alums returning. The show is also having a special showcasing past musical guests, “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert,” streaming live from Radio City Music Hall in New York City on Peacock Friday, Feb.