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Lorne Michaels Fears SNL's Future Amid Retirement Plans

4/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Lorne Michaels, the creator of Saturday Night Live, says he cannot retire and fears NBC would dismantle the show after leading it for 51 seasons.
The documentary Lorne, directed by Morgan Neville, premiered April 17, 2026, and explores Michaels' management style and succession worries.
It notes that Michaels told his friend Steve Martin about his plans at age 81 and discusses succession, suggesting Tina Fey and Seth Meyers could share leadership after him.

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Story summary

Lorne Michaels, the creator of Saturday Night Live, says he cannot retire and fears NBC would dismantle the show after leading it for 51 seasons.
The documentary Lorne, directed by Morgan Neville, premiered April 17, 2026, and explores Michaels' management style and succession worries.
It notes that Michaels told his friend Steve Martin about his plans at age 81 and discusses succession, suggesting Tina Fey and Seth Meyers could share leadership after him.