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Saturday Night Live: NBC debunks another rumored replacement for Lorne Michaels

By Matt Moore

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 30: Lorne Michaels attends NRDC's "Night of Comedy" Benefit, in partnership with Discovery, Inc. hosted by Seth Meyers on April 30, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for NRDC)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 30: Lorne Michaels attends NRDC's "Night of Comedy" Benefit, in partnership with Discovery, Inc. hosted by Seth Meyers on April 30, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for NRDC) /
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Speculation around Lorne Michaels replacement at Saturday Night Live is nothing new. But NBC recently made the rare decision to debunk one rumor before it could get any traction.

Michaels has been open about his SNL future when discussing the topic in interviews. In 2021, he floated the idea of stepping down as executive producer after SNL celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025.

A New York Post source indicated that former cast member and head writer Tina Fey was being recruited to succeed Michaels. Fey has been a popular pick for the job among speculators and for good reason. She has the talent and taste required to set SNL’s tone.

However, NBC stepped in and debunked the Tina Fey-Lorne Michaels rumor. A statement from the network to ET Canada read “there is no truth to this report.”

NBC also pointed to a 2022 New York Times interview in which Michaels indicated he has no plans to retire. Those plans could change, of course, and Michaels riding off into the sunset after SNL 50 would be the ideal sendoff.

Regardless of when Michaels decides to walk away, it doesn’t sound like Tina Fey will be the one to fill his shoes. The former “Weekend Update” anchor has been busy developing a TV series, a comedy show with Amy Poehler, and a film version of the Mean Girls musical.

Another Saturday Night Live alum dropped out of the running to replace Lorne Michaels

Tina Fey is the second Saturday Night Live alumni to have their name taken off the board to replace Lorne Michaels.

Earlier this summer, Seth Meyers made it clear that he has no interest in running Saturday Night Live following Lorne Michaels. The Late Night host is more than happy with his current gig. Putting in the time and energy required to run SNL isn’t a commitment Meyers is willing to make.

We likely won’t know who will replace Lorne Michaels until the producer officially announces his retirement plan. It’s possible he already has someone picked out that received NBC’s approval.

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