It’s been almost five decades since Lorne Michaels created the iconic sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live, but it’s just a matter of time before he steps aside. The legendary producer recently dropped hints about his departure and said that Tina Fey could easily replace him.
Lorne Michaels created Saturday Night Live for NBC alongside Dick Ebersol in 1975 and served as its executive producer and showrunner for the majority of the show’s tenure. The beloved sketch comedy series will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, and many are wondering if he’ll leave the show after hitting this milestone.
Michaels addressed the retirement rumors while chatting with Entertainment Tonight at the Primetime Emmy Awards and dished out about his possible replacement.
“It could easily be Tina Fey, but you know, there are a lot of people who are there now who are also, you know… Tina’s brilliant and great at everything. She’s a very important person in my life,” said Michaels.
He also added that he’ll “definitely be there” for SNL’s 50th anniversary, set to take place in February next year. He previously told CBS Mornings that he’s committed to doing the show until 2025, but added he has “a feeling that’d be a really good time to leave.”
