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.

01:11:38

Episode guests

Susan Morrison

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Lorne Michaels' journey highlights his profound influence on sketch comedy, evolving from early struggles to shaping American humor across generations.

The behind-the-scenes dynamics of SNL reveal the immense pressure on writers and performers to balance creative freedom with network expectations.

Michaels' complex character, blending warmth and authority, fosters a unique environment at SNL that encourages creativity while demanding high standards.

Deep dives

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Intro

3min

Lorne Michaels: The Man Behind the Comedy Curtain

18min

From Skits to Stones: The Journey of Comedy and Engagements

4min

Navigating Comedy's Landscape

18min

Lil Prometheus and the Hiring Journey

5min

Comedic Influences and Creative Processes

15min

Life Insurance and SNL Legacy

6min

Navigating Fame and Leadership at SNL

5min

Navigating the Spotlight: Reflections on a Milestone Moment

3min

Hours of conversations with SNL icons, the best Lorneisms, and working for Downey with Susan Morrison, author of LORNE: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live

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