What Happened To Lorne Michaels After Saturday Night: Full 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 besides the beloved sketch show. Launched in October 2024, Saturday night is a comedy that accompanies 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 artists who made it happen. Understandably, there is an abundance of story that accompanies a film like this.

Lorne Michaels created SNL, originally titled NBC Saturday Night, alongside his colleagues Dick Ebersol and Herb Schlosser in 1975. Michaels is not only the creator of the series, but over the years he has served as the show's writer and producer. He even appears on screen occasionally, displaying his deadpan personality. Initially, Saturday night live is designed to appeal to young audiences with hilarious comedy sketches, political commentary and musical performances. Although the original SNL The cast was considered “not ready for prime time” upon the show's debut, 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 following years Saturday night live found his footing, Lorne Michaels' career got 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, Children in the hall and The new show, although none of them were as popular as SNL. Possibly, Michaels moved from the role of producer to executive producer. He not only occupies this role SNL, but also held him for Late at night, 30 Rock, up all night, and Tonight's program. Michaels continues to produce some of these series today.

A big part of Michaels' success is his dedication. At first glance, Lorne doesn't seem to have a very long CV, but it's not the number of shows that matters, but the number of years. Michaels was at the helm of SNL for decades and held the same position on other successful shows. It's 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 Tonight's program He is an important actor on late-night television.

Lorne Michaels left SNL in 1980 to pursue other opportunities

What Michaels Did During His SNL Hiatus

Although Lorne Michaels can be considered the core of SNL, he ended up briefly leaving the show in 1980. Originally, Michaels requested that the show be put on hiatus so he could pursue other projects, such as SNL It was a gigantic undertaking. Lorne suggested several writers to take his place. However, without reaching an agreement with NBC, Michaels ended up leaving and was replaced by Jean Doumanian and, later, Dick Ebersol. Ironically, most SNLs Writers and artists left at the same time as Michaels, suggesting 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. During his hiatus, Michaels created another sketch show titled The new show. The series debuted on NBC in January 1984, but was poorly received enough to be canceled after nine episodes. Fortunately, Michaels' break wasn't a complete loss. In 1981, he created Broadway Video, which has directed several successful films and shows, such as Wayne's World, Documentary Now!, and Mean Girls. His company continues to produce projects from important comedians.

Lorne Michaels returned to SNL in 1985 and is still involved

What is Michaels doing these days?

Fortunately, Lorne Michaels wasn't far from SNL for a long time. In 1985, five years after leaving, he returned as executive producer. He has remained in this role ever since. There were 50 seasons of SNL, and Michaels was at the center of 45 of them. Michaels not only kept the sketch show running, but also played a major role in creating the series' iconic casts. By giving unknowns a chance to shine, Michaels has led some truly incredible comedians to famelike Conan O'Brien, Tina Fey, Jimmy Fallon and Adam Sandler.

It's impressive that Michaels was able to maintain SNL popular for so long. His ability to cast hilarious actors and writers plays a big part in this, but it also has to do with the overall premise of the show. SNL It wasn't made simply to be funny. The series aims to poke fun at current affairs and discuss important topics that are affecting society at the moment. SNL is deeply rooted in popular cultureand this makes it easier for the public to connect. 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 step down. SNL and his other ventures. Why SNL reached its 50th season, countless viewers theorized that Michaels would retire after this season. However, Michaels said Rolling Stone that he has no plans to leave SNL. In this way, there's no telling when Michaels will hand the show over to another producer. He's 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 SNL when Michaels eventually retires. 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 mind. with this, hopefully, NBC will agree. A much more disappointing scenario is that Saturday night live will end when Michaels retires. Hopefully this won't be the case. The release of Saturday night and SNLs the new 50th season suggests the show is still going strong.

As the clock ticks down to the first broadcast of “Saturday Night Live” on October 11, 1975, a group of young comedians and writers bustle behind the scenes, navigating chaos and creative pressures. Set at NBC studios, the film offers a dramatic and comedic look at the birth of an iconic television show.

Director

Jason Reitman

Release date

October 11, 2024

Writers

Gil Kenan, Jason Reitman

Cast

Finn Wolfhard, Willem Dafoe, Dylan O'Brien, JK Simmons, Ella Hunt, Rachel Sennott, Matthew Rhys, Lamorne Morris

Character(s)

NBC Page, David Tebet, Dan Aykroyd, Milton Berle, Gilda Radner, Rosie Shuster