What Happened to Lorne Michaels After Saturday Night: Entire SNL Career Explained

Although Lorne Michaels is most often credited with creating Saturday Night Live, whose origins are explored in the new film, Saturday nightThe television producer is responsible for other projects beyond the beloved sketch show. Released in October 2024, Saturday night is a comedy that follows the lead up to the premiere of the first episode of Saturday Night Live. Directed by Jason Reitman, the film is a deep dive into the origins of SNLAnd also the iconic performers who made it happen. Of course, with such a movie comes a lot of history.

Lorne Michaels created SNL, Originally titled NBC’s Saturday night, along with his colleagues Dick Ebersol and Herb Schlosser in 1975. Michaels is not only the creator of the series, but has served as a writer and producer of the show over the years. He even appears on screen occasionally, showing his deadpan personality. initially, Saturday Night Live is designed to attract young audiences with hilarious sketch comedy, political commentary and musical performances. Although the original SNL The cast was considered to be “not ready for prime time” on the premiere of the show, they eventually won the hearts of viewers.

The success of SNL made Lorne Michaels an incredibly powerful producer

What Michaels did after SNL

In the years after Saturday Night Live Finding his footing, Lorne Michaels’ career saw a boost. In 1979, Michaels founded his own production company, Broadway Video, which produces SNL and other shows. Soon after, Michaels produced two other sketch comedy series, Kids in the hall And the new show, Although not as popular as SNL. finally, Michaels rose from the role of producer to executive producer. He not only holds this role for SNL, But also considered it for late night, 30 rock, up all night, And The Tonight Show. Michaels continues to produce some of the series today.

A big part of Michaels’ success is his dedication. At first glance, Lorne does not seem to have a very long resume, but it is not the quantity of shows that is important, but the quantity of years. Michaels was at the head of SNL For decades And 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 Live is one of the most popular sketch shows of all time, and The Tonight Show is 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

Although Lorne Michaels may be considered the heart of SNL, He ended up briefly leaving the show in 1980. Originally, Michaels requested that the show be staged on a hi-base So he can pursue other projects, viz SNL was 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 of SNL Writers and performers left at the same time Michaels did, hinting at his inherent importance to the show.

Michaels may have wanted to put distance between himself and SNL, But unfortunately, not all of his other projects were particularly successful. in his time, Michaels created another sketch show entitled The New Show. The series premiered on NBC in January 1984, but was poorly received enough that it was canceled after nine episodes. Fortunately, Michaels’ break wasn’t a total loss. In 1981, he created Broadway Video, which was at the helm of various successful films and performances, such as Wayne’s World, Documentary Now!, And Mean Girls. His company continues to produce projects by notable comedians.

Lorne Michaels returned to SNL in 1985 and is still involved

What is Michaels doing in the present day

Fortunately, Lorne Michaels did not stay away from SNL Too long. In 1985, five years after he left, he returned as executive producer. Since then he has remained in the role. There were 50 seasons of SNL, And Michaels was at the heart of 45 of them. Not only did Michaels keep the sketch show running, but he also played a massive role in creating the series’ iconic cast. By giving the unknown a chance to shine, Michaels has boosted some truly amazing comedians to fameLike Conan O’Brien, Tina Fey, Jimmy Fallon and Adam Sandler.

It’s impressive that Michaels was able to hold on SNL Popular for so long. His ability to choose hilarious actors and writers plays an important role in this, but it also has to do with the general concept of the show. SNL is not just meant to be funny. The series intends to poke fun at current events and discuss important topics that are affecting society at the moment. SNL is deeply embedded in popular cultureAnd that makes it easy for audiences to relate 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, which makes it natural to wonder when he will finally retire SNL and his other ventures. Because SNL Having reached his 50th season, countless viewers theorized that Michaels would retire after the season. However, Michaels said Rolling Stone That he has no plans to leave SNL. in this way, There is no word on when Michaels will turn the show over to another producer. He’s definitely old, but the show is still popular with him in the driver’s seat. So, there is really no reason for him to retire until he is ready.

It is the question of what will happen SNL When Michaels eventually retires. The most obvious next step would be to find another executive producer to take his place. Perhaps, as in 1980, Michaels already has a successor in mind That, hopefully, NBC will agree with. A much more disappointing scenario is that Saturday Night Live Will end once Michaels retires. Hopefully, that won’t be the case. The release of Saturday night And SNL The new 50th season indicates that the show is still going strong.