After creating “Saturday Night Live” in 1975, longtime producer Lorne Michaels has been involved with the variety show for nearly 50 years. If you continue to do the same job for a long time, you may start to wonder who will take over when you step away. Michaels was asked about the matter on the Emmy Awards carpet by Entertainment Weekly, where the reporter mentioned “30 Rock” creator and former “SNL” cast member Tina Fey as a potential successor to take over the series.
“It could easily be Tina Fey, but there are a lot of people like that today.” Michaels said, acknowledging that there are many people who could be his successor. “Tina is smart and wonderful in every way. She is a very important person in my life.”
Fey has been one of the most talked about names in the industry as to who could take over the reins from Michaels on “Saturday Night Live.” She joined the series as a writer in 1997 and became head writer just two years later. After she left the show in 2006, Fey became the showrunner and star of the NBC sitcom '30 Rock,' which parodied the very office where she launched her comedy career.
During the same carpet interview, Michaels confirmed that his time on “Saturday Night Live” won't be ending in the near future. The 79-year-old producer plans to remain involved with the series until his 50th anniversary, which he will celebrate with a special in February 2025.
“I’m definitely going to be there for it, I’m definitely going to be there until then, and we’ll figure out what we’re going to do sometime before then,” Michaels said.
‘Saturday Night Live’ returns this week after the end of the year. Hosted by Jacob Elordi, Reneé Rapp will appear as the musical guest.