 The idea was originally conceived during the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike, when the cast performed two live versions of the season two episode "Secrets and Lies" as a benefit at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City.When asked by "Entertainment Weekly" the reason for doing a live episode, Fey said "[The live performance] was what made us think that it would be fun to do [a live episode].And how far we've come... Now we're going to do it on TV."