"Saturday Night Live" Creator Lorne Michaels Considers Tina Fey as Potential Replacement

In a recent interview, "Saturday Night Live" creator Lorne Michaels revealed that he has thought about what might happen when he eventually leaves the show. While there is no immediate plan for his departure, Michaels admitted that there is a lot of talent to choose from to take over his role. However, when asked about Tina Fey, Michaels expressed that she could easily be his successor.

During an interview with Entertainment Tonight's Nischelle Turner on the red carpet of the Emmy Awards, Michaels shared his thoughts on the matter. "Of course I've thought about it," the 79-year-old producer said. "We're doing the 50th anniversary show in February '25. So, I will definitely be there for that and definitely be there until then. And then we'll figure out what we're going to do."

Turner mentioned that many people have speculated that Tina Fey could helm the show. Michaels responded, "It could easily be Tina Fey. But 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," Michaels added.

The live sketch comedy show, "Saturday Night Live," has been airing since 1975. Michaels initially served as the show runner until 1980, when he took a brief break. He then returned in 1985 and has been with the show ever since, occasionally making appearances in sketches that highlight his dry sense of humor.

Fey's Impact on "SNL" and Michaels' Productions

Tina Fey worked on the show "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) from 1997 to 2006. She started as a writer and became the show's first woman head writer in 1999. In 2000, Fey began performing on the show, hosting the popular "Weekend Update" segment with Jimmy Fallon and later Amy Poehler.

After leaving "SNL," Fey created the comedy series "30 Rock," which was loosely based on the staff at "SNL" and NBC. The show was produced by Lorne Michaels' Broadway Studios production company.

However, Fey didn't completely distance herself from "SNL." During the 2008 presidential election, she returned to the show to parody then-vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin. Fey's portrayal of Palin became a fan favorite, and she appeared in several sketches throughout the election.

Lorne Michaels, the creator and executive producer of "SNL," has also produced projects by other cast members. He executive produced Fred Armisen's "Portlandia," Kenan Thompson's sitcom "Kenan," and movies based on "SNL" sketches like "A Night at the Roxbury" and "Coneheads." Michaels has also worked on several of Fey's projects, including "Mean Girls" and "Baby Mama," which also starred Amy Poehler.

Over its nearly 50-year run, "SNL" has received 314 Emmy nominations and won 84 awards, along with one honorary award. Michaels still finds joy in the show, saying, "Actually, these last couple years, more than ever."