“It’s like the Hunger Games”: Behind the scenes at ‘Saturday Night Live’
Feb 13, 2025
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Susan Morrison, the author of "Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live," shares insider insights about the legendary Lorne Michaels. She delves into the chaotic origins of SNL, highlighting how the show emerged from a need for late-night creativity in 1975. Morrison discusses Michaels's unique management style and impact on comedy, blending humor with sharp political satire. As SNL nears its 50th anniversary, she reflects on its evolution and the challenges of its future leadership under Michaels's enduring influence.
Lorne Michaels' innovative management style has transformed SNL into a cultural cornerstone, shaping American comedy for 50 years.
The show's ability to adapt to the political landscape highlights its commitment to engaging a diverse audience through relevant satire.
Deep dives
The Legacy of Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live (SNL) has shaped the landscape of American comedy for 50 years, launching the careers of numerous comedians and writers. Over the decades, iconic sketches and unforgettable characters have defined the show, showcasing the creativity of its cast members. For instance, Molly Shannon's exuberant portrayal of Sally O'Malley and Rachel Dratch's Debbie Downer became benchmarks of comedic brilliance. These moments highlight how SNL emphasizes audacity and humor, creating a platform for actors to push the boundaries of comedy.
Lorne Michaels: The Visionary Producer
Lorne Michaels, the driving force behind SNL, has been pivotal in shaping its unique comedic voice since its inception. With a keen understanding of contemporary culture, he consistently sought to create material that resonated with his generation. Despite initial skepticism from NBC executives, Michaels' vision prevailed, leading to the show's greenlighting when NBC faced scheduling challenges for late-night programming. His innovative approach allowed SNL to operate as a creative laboratory, fostering a cultural phenomenon that has endured for decades.
Balancing Innovation with Popularity
Michaels has always strived to balance avant-garde comedy with broad appeal, recognizing the need for SNL to resonate with a diverse audience. In its early years, he catered to a youthful demographic, while progressively incorporating humor that could engage viewers across all 50 states. This approach is exemplified by the show's ability to adapt to the changing political landscape, often using satire to reflect contemporary issues. Through sketches that resonate culturally and politically, SNL has impacted national conversations, proving its relevance in the comedic and societal discourse.
Saturday Night Live has churned out dozens of unforgettable stars — from Bill Murray and Eddie Murphy to Tina Fey and Kristen Wiig — but the biggest force behind the show is executive producer Lorne Michaels. Ahead of SNL’s 50th anniversary, Susan Morrison, author of Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live, talks to Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu about Michaels’s unique management style and singular eye for comedy.
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