**The Future of Saturday Night Live: A Deep Dive into Lorne Michaels’ Legacy**
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Lorne Michaels, synonymous with the groundbreaking sketch comedy show *Saturday Night Live* (SNL), continues to shape the landscape of comedy at the age of 81. His enduring influence is the subject of a new documentary titled *Lorne*, directed by Morgan Neville, which offers an intimate look at Michaels’ life and career. The film debuted in cinemas on 17 April and reflects on the legacy of a man who has remained integral to the show’s appeal since its inception in 1975.
In an exclusive interview with *PEOPLE*, Neville shared his perspective on the inevitable day when Michaels might step back from his leadership role at SNL. While he acknowledges that retirement may eventually come, he hints at the possibility that Michaels might never fully choose to depart from the show he built. “I don’t know if he’s ever really gonna choose to retire because he is the show and the show is him,” said Neville, illustrating the deep connection between Michaels and his creation.
Neville believes that while Michaels’ retirement might be on the horizon, he is committed to ensuring SNL’s future. “He cares about the show. He wants the show to continue on into the future,” he asserted, emphasising that the successful fabric of SNL requires a collective effort rather than the singular vision of one person.
The documentary also highlights the recent launch of *Saturday Night Live UK*, hosted by Tina Fey, marking a new chapter for the franchise. Despite his age, Michaels remains active in expanding the SNL brand, which, according to Neville, suggests that diminishing involvement is not yet in sight. “He doesn’t seem to be slowing down at all,” he noted, pointing to the franchise’s international ventures as a testament to Michaels’ ongoing engagement.
The complexities of running a show like SNL were elaborated upon by Neville, who explained that Michaels takes on multiple responsibilities. Beyond managing the cast and writers, he must navigate relationships with network executives and sponsors, which is no small feat. “It’s the managing down, the writers and the comedians, but he’s also managing up,” he explained, shedding light on the multifaceted demands of his role.
Michaels has cultivated significant gravitas within the entertainment industry, which allows him to leverage connections when seeking support for the show. As Neville elaborated, those in the industry often extend favours to Michaels without him even needing to ask directly. “If Lorne asks, most people say yes,” he stated, highlighting the influence that comes with decades of dedication and success.
Looking ahead to the future of SNL without its iconic figurehead, speculation arises regarding potential successors. Tanya Fey and Seth Meyers are frequently mentioned as frontrunners. However, Neville questioned whether either would be interested in assuming such a challenging role. He described the position as a “tough job” and acknowledged that while both would be capable leaders, the decision to step into Michaels’ shoes is a significant one.
“Having somebody with some profile helps the show just protect itself,” Neville pointed out, indicating that a prospective head could aid in defending SNL’s legacy. Yet, the search for a singular successor may not be straightforward. “I don’t know who wants to take that on, which is why maybe I think it’s better for a couple of people to take the job on,” he concluded, suggesting a collaborative approach might be more suitable for carrying on Michaels’ vision.
As audiences continue to experience SNL, from live broadcasts to international iterations, the essence of Lorne Michaels undoubtedly permeates the show’s legacy. With *Lorne* now showing in theatres, fans can gain deeper insight into the man who has not only shaped a television institution but also launched countless comedians’ careers.
The world of comedy and television continues to watch closely as the future unfolds for Michaels and SNL—an institution that has defined late-night programming for nearly half a century. Whether through collaboration or individual leadership, the quest is on to ensure that the laughter continues even when the era of Lorne Michaels eventually draws to a close.