Saturday Night Live (SNL) is currently basking in the limelight of its 50th season, reigniting discussions about the show’s future leadership under the tireless aegis of its creator and executive producer, Lorne Michaels. Amidst the excitement of this milestone, thoughts surrounding Michaels’ retirement have emerged, with many wondering if he will ever step down from the iconic show he has led since its inception.
According to Susan Morrison, biographer of Michaels and author of Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live, it’s her firm belief he will continue on with SNL for the foreseeable future. Morrison discussed this topic during her recent interview with CinemaBlend, emphasizing the health and work ethic of the 79-year-old executive producer. “I just can’t see him leaning back on the beach. He’ll keep doing it as long as he possibly can,” she noted emphatically, highlighting Michaels' unwavering dedication to the show.
Interestingly, there remains ample evidence of Michaels' commitment. Throughout 50 years, the producer has not only managed to hold onto the reins but has also creatively steered the ship through numerous cultural and comedic shifts. From extraordinary sketches to selecting ideal hosts, his imprint on SNL is unmistakable. Morrison herself reflects on the close calls, recalling how NBC considered firing Michaels back in the mid-90s; the entertainment mogul instead persevered, proving his worth year after year.
While speculation around Michaels’ retirement continues, Morrison provided unique insight during her talk on the Fly on the Wall podcast. “I could see him just coming in on Wednesday afternoon for read-through, then picking the sketches, and being there for dress rehearsal and the show,” she proposed, hinting at the possibility of him scaling back his role rather than quitting altogether. With current technology and the strong team surrounding him, there’s the potential for Michaels to maintain involvement without shouldering the entire burden.
Meanwhile, SNL fans were captivated by the recent episode airing on March 15, 2025, featuring one of SNL's legendary icons, Chris Rock. Titled after its original broadcast date, the December 14, 2024, episode was re-aired, demonstrating continued viewer interest. Rock’s monologue showcased his unique humor and insightful commentary, addressing topics such as P-Diddy, the Menendez brothers, Donald Trump, and even Luigi Mangione. Comments from fans echoed positivity, with one noting, “He literally summarized the whole year in 7 minutes, and it was consistently hilarious. He’s so good at approaching touchy subjects, even the sticks in the mud will laugh.”
Add to this Gracie Abrams, the musical guest for the December episode, whose performance of “That’s So True” captured the attention of viewers. Abrams, often recognized for her collaboration with pop icons like Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo, has expressed tremendous respect for Swift’s influence on her career. Reflecting on the uniqueness of Swift's contributions to pop culture, she stated, “There’s also nothing close to what she has done. But please point me to one man who has come close to defining pop culture in this way. There is nothing! But people are not ready for this conversation.”
For now, as Saturday Night Live continues its landmark 50th season, viewers can anticipate not only nostalgia but also uncertainty about future direction. With Lorne Michaels at the helm and Morrison's predictions floating around, it seems this legendary producer may continue to shape the comedic chops of America well beyond his 80th birthday, as long as health permits. His dedication has contributed to SNL's legacy, which is filled with laughter, innovation, and cultural commentary—a potent mix the show has woven throughout five decades.
Though SNL is taking a pause from its regular broadcasts, re-airings of standout episodes, such as Chris Rock’s, enable fans to reminisce and enjoy their favorite sketches. With its blend of iconic moments and timely commentary on contemporary issues, it remains to be seen how Lorne Michaels will alter his approach as he continues to champion the series for many more comedic seasons to come.