AlthoughLorne Michaels is most often credited with creatingSaturday Night Live,whose origins are explored in the new film,Saturday Night, the television producer is responsible for other projects beyond the beloved sketch show. Released in October 2024,Saturday Nightis a comedy that follows the lead up to the premiere ofthe first episode ofSaturday Night Live.Directed by Jason Reitman, the film is a deep dive into the origins ofSNL, and also the iconic performers who made it happen. Understandably, there is an abundance of history that comes with a movie like this.
Lorne Michaels createdSNL,originally titledNBC’s Saturday Night,alongside his colleagues Dick Ebersol and Herb Schlosser in 1975. Michaels is not only the series' creator but, over the years, has served as a writer and producer for the show. He even appears on-screen occasionally, showing off his deadpan personality. Initially,Saturday Night Livewas designed to attract young audiences with hilarious sketch comedy, political commentary, and musical performances. Though theoriginalSNLcastwas considered to be “not ready for prime time” upon the show’s premiere, they eventually won the hearts of viewers.
SNL’s Success Made Lorne Michaels An Incredibly Powerful Producer
What Michaels Did After SNL
In the years afterSaturday Night Livefound its footing, Lorne Michaels' career saw a boost. In 1979, Michaels founded his own production company, Broadway Video, which producesSNLand other shows. Soon after, Michaels produced two other sketch comedy series,Kids in the HallandThe New Show,though neither were as popular asSNL.Eventually,Michaels rose from the role of producer to executive producer. He not only holds this role forSNL,but also held it forLate Night, 30 Rock, Up All Night,andThe Tonight Show.Michaels continues to produce some of these series today.
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Saturday Night Live has been on the air since 1975, with lots of iconic sketches over the decades. Here are some of the best SNL skits of all time.
A big part of Michaels' success is his dedication. At first glance, Lorne doesn’t seem to have a very long resume, but it is not the quantity of shows that is important, but the quantity of years.Michaels has been at the head ofSNLfor decadesand held the same position for other successful shows. It is also important to note that the series Michaels has worked on are pillars of their genre.Saturday Night Liveis one of the most popular sketch shows of all time, andThe Tonight Showis a major player in late night television.
Lorne Michaels Left SNL In 1980 To Pursue Other Opportunities
What Did Michaels Do During His SNL Hiatus
Though Lorne Michaels could be considered the core ofSNL,he did end up briefly leaving the show in 1980. Originally,Michaels requested that the show be put on hiatusiso that he could pursue other projects, asSNLwas a massive undertaking. Lorne suggested a number of writers to take his place. However, without reaching a compromise with NBC, Michaels eventually left and was replaced by Jean Doumanian, and later, Dick Ebersol. Ironically,most ofSNL’swritersand performers left at the same time that Michaels did, hinting at his inherent importance to the show.
Michaels may have wanted to put distance between himself andSNL,but unfortunately, not all of his other projects were particularly successful.
Michaels may have wanted to put distance between himself andSNL,but unfortunately, not all of his other projects were particularly successful. During his hiatus,Michaels created another sketch show entitledThe New Show.The series premiered on NBC in January 1984, but it was poorly received enough that it was canceled after nine episodes. Fortunately, Michaels' break wasn’t a complete loss. In 1981, he created Broadway Video, which was at the helm of various successful movies and shows, such asWayne’s World, Documentary Now!,andMean Girls.His company continues producing projects by significant comedians.
Lorne Michaels Returned To SNL In 1985 & Is Still Involved
What Is Michaels Doing In The Present Day
Luckily, Lorne Michaels didn’t stay away fromSNLfor too long. In 1985, five years after he left, he returnedas executive producer. He has remained in this role ever since. There have been50 seasons ofSNL,and Michaels has been at the heart of 45 of them. Michaels has not only kept the sketch show running, but he also plays a massive part in creating the series' iconic casts. By giving unknowns a chance to shine,Michaels has boosted some truly amazing comedians to fame, like Conan O’Brien, Tina Fey, Jimmy Fallon, and Adam Sandler.
Emil Wakim
Jane Wickline
It’s impressive that Michaels has been able to keepSNLpopular for so long. His ability to choose hilarious actors and writers plays a major role in this, yet it also has to do with the show’s general premise.SNLis not simply meant to be funny. The series intends to poke fun at current events and discuss important topics that are affecting society at the moment.SNLis deeply embedded in popular culture, and this makes it easy for audiences to connect to. Each year and each cast presents new opportunities to communicate with viewers on a unique level.
Is Lorne Michaels Retiring From SNL?
What Will Happen After Michaels Retires
Today, Lorne Michaels is 79 years old, making it natural to wonder when he will finally step down fromSNLand his other ventures. BecauseSNLhas reached its 50th season, countless viewers have theorized that Michaels would retire after that season. However, Michaels toldRolling Stonethat he has no plans to leaveSNL.In this way,there is no telling when Michaels will hand the show over to another producer.He has definitely aged, but the show continues to be popular with him in the driver’s seat. So, there’s really no reason for him to retire until he’s ready.
There is the question of what will happen toSNLwhen Michaels does eventually retire. The most obvious next step would be to find another executive producer to take his place.Perhaps, like in 1980, Michaels already has a successor in mindthat, hopefully, NBC will agree with. A much more disappointing scenario is thatSaturday Night Livewill end once Michaels retires. Hopefully, this won’t be the case. The release ofSaturday NightandSNL’snew 50th season hints that the show is still going strong.
Saturday Night
Cast
Saturday Night (2024) is a forthcoming film with an undisclosed director. The movie centers on the vibrant nightlife of a bustling city, capturing the intertwining lives and stories of a diverse ensemble cast navigating personal and social challenges over the course of a single evening.
