“SNL ”Alum Seth Meyers Recalls Lorne Michaels’ Reaction After ‘Weekend Update’ Bombed 3 Weeks in a Row

Seth Meyers Reflects on His Seven-Year Journey at Saturday Night Live

Seth Meyers, the renowned host of “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” has recently revisited his time at “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), shedding light on the lengthy process of feeling acclimatised to the influential sketch show. During a live audience Q&A, Meyers disclosed that it took him approximately seven years to feel truly settled within the SNL environment.

The veteran comedian, who joined the iconic series in 2001 as a cast member, has fond memories of his journey, one that intertwined with the show’s legendary creator, Lorne Michaels. An audience member inquired about his favourite anecdotes involving Michaels, who has been at the helm of SNL since its inception in 1975, and is recognised as a formidable figure in the television industry.

Meyers recollected a pivotal moment from his tenure, revealing, “When people ask me if I felt settled at SNL, I tell them it took about seven years.” He elaborated on a specific interaction he had with Michaels, offering a humorous glimpse into their dynamic. As SNL’s co-head writer alongside Tina Fey and Harper Steele, Meyers experienced both the highs and lows of the show’s demanding schedule.

In 2006, he stepped into the role of co-host for the popular “Weekend Update” segment alongside Amy Poehler, which later became solely his in 2009 when Poehler departed the show. Reflecting on one of his more stressful moments, Myers admitted, “We had three difficult ‘Updates’ in a row. I approached Lorne’s office, suggesting a solution. Only to be met with the line, ‘Update is the least of my problems.’”

The comedian’s impersonation of Michaels in that moment provided comic relief to the audience, who appreciated the juxtaposition of pressure and levity in the high-stakes environment of SNL. Meyers continued as the solo host of “Weekend Update” until his departure from the series in 2014, after over a decade of contributions as both a cast member and writer. Following this, he transitioned to hosting “Late Night,” taking the reins from Jimmy Fallon.

Michaels, who remains a significant presence in the television landscape, was the subject of a recent documentary titled “Lorne,” released in 2026. Directed by Morgan Neville, the film features discussions with former cast members including John Mulaney, Andy Samberg, and Maya Rudolph, highlighting the enigmatic nature of Michaels, who himself remarked, “People think they know me… I don’t even know myself.”

As SNL heads towards its 51st season, Michaels reflected on the importance of infusing fresh talent into the cast annually. He explained, “It’s essential that we bring new people in every year.” The producer also commented on the demographics of the show’s audience, noting the significance of high school students as a vital segment of viewership. “The longest four years of your life are high school, and that’s when people really attach to a cast,” he pointed out.

Amidst these reflections, Chloe Fineman, a veteran cast member who spent seven years on SNL, announced her departure, calling her time at the show “the greatest privilege of my life.” She mentioned her deep affection for the show, saying, “I fell in love with the place the second I walked through the door.”

With the anticipation building for its 52nd season, SNL is set to premiere on September 26, while “Late Night with Seth Meyers” is scheduled to return on September 21. As both shows promise fresh perspectives and content, Meyers’ experiences at SNL remain a cornerstone of his career, illustrating not only his personal growth but the enduring legacy of the iconic sketch comedy series.