It’s 1:01 a.m. on a Sunday morning in May, and Lorne Michaels, the creator and producer of Saturday Night Live, has just finished the final episode of the 49th season. For 90 minutes, he paced backstage, hands in pockets, surveying the actors and allowing himself only an occasional chuckle of satisfaction.
As members of the cast flood onstage to celebrate another year in the books, they enthusiastically hug each other and the evening’s host, Jake Gyllenhaal, along with musical guest Sabrina Carpenter.
Yet Michaels stands apart, reflecting on what could have been better. He remarks, I only see the mistakes
, noting that some jokes could have landed better and second-guessing his decision to shorten certain skits. By Monday, he hopes to find some degree of contentment—until he has to do it all over again.
Michaels is particularly adept at managing egos and meeting almost impossible deadlines. His success in recruiting supertalents and wading into controversy has kept him afloat while many of his peers have been washed away by the changing media landscape.
A Legacy of Influence and Innovation
This year marked Emma Stone’s return to Saturday Night Live for her fifth time hosting. The actress is currently nominated for Best Actress for her performance in Poor Things, a film she also produced. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, the movie is up for 11 Oscars, including Best Picture.
Throughout the years, Michaels has artfully balanced his role at SNL. Despite traditional television’s decline, his deft management has preserved the show as a cultural lynchpin. However, underneath his Canadian humility lies a shrewd strategist who claims modestly to avoid the “chief executive” label.
The Future of SNL and Michaels’ Role
The big question looms over how long Michaels will continue overseeing SNL. At 79 years old, his meticulous eye for detail remains sharp but the demands are relentless. Recent years have seen him grapple with maintaining relevance while navigating budget constraints. In Michaels’ own words regarding retirement plans or stepping down: It’s not something I’ve spent a lot of time planning for
.
Lorne’s vision has undeniably shaped generations of comedians and actors with many alumni achieving stardom. Handling fame has its pitfalls—Michaels warns that constant adulation can inflate egos: People are going to turn into a**holes if they’re not careful
.
As fans anticipate future seasons, all eyes will remain on how this entertainment stalwart continues to blend humor with social commentary while navigating an ever-evolving landscape.
Follow Us
