Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade Susan Morrison - Author of LORNE: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live
Feb 19, 2025
Susan Morrison, author and SNL historian, shares her fascinating insights gained from years of interviews with SNL's legacy players. She discusses Lorne Michaels' pivotal role in shaping the show and the comedy landscape as it marks its 50th anniversary. Morrison recounts memorable anecdotes and reveals the behind-the-scenes dynamics that made SNL a comedy juggernaut. The conversation touches on the artistic collaboration within the iconic cast and the balance of personal memory and storytelling within the chaotic world of comedy.
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Lorne's Flop Show
- Susan Morrison worked for Lorne Michaels on "The New Show".
- It was a spectacular flop, and Lorne lost his own money on it.
Modernizing Variety TV
- Lorne Michaels loved variety TV but felt it was outdated.
- He aimed to modernize the format for a younger audience, reflecting current trends in movies and music.
SNL's Late-Night Origins
- Lorne Michaels initially struggled to sell SNL.
- NBC needed late-night content, giving Lorne creative freedom and minimal network interference.