Lorne Michaels confirms that he won't be leaving SNL after season 50

Lorne Michaels is the most important figure in Saturday Night Live history. He created the show in 1975, and guided it through some five decades of unprecedented pop culture relevance. He's the focus of the upcoming film Saturday Night, and given the show is entering its 50th season, there's been some speculation that Michaels would be stepping down as boss.

It wasn't a rumor he shut down, per say. Michaels told various outlets that he was unsure as to what his future plans were ahead of season 50. He even told Sunday Today that he was perfectly content calling it a day after the milestone number. "By that point," he quipped. "I really deserve to wander off."

Lorne Michaels wants to stay as long as he's "useful"

This naturally led to speculation as to who would step in and replace him should a replacement be needed. Seth Meyers was floated, as was Tina Fey and even the duo of Colin Jost and Michael Che.

Well, now that season 50 is around the corner, we have our answer. The answer is: Lorne Michaels isn't going anywhere. He sat down with The Hollywood Reporter for a retrospective on the beloved sketch show, and casually confirmed that he will be sticking around for the foreseeable future:

"People have decided somehow that [SNL is] important. And so as long as it’s important and I can be useful, I’ll stay."

Michaels also teased special season 50 cameos

Michaels didn't clarify what informed his change of heart, but the veteran producer seems to have a reenergized approach when it comes to Saturday Night Live. Not only did he confirm that he will stay on, but he teased some exciting hosts and surprise guests throughout season 50.

"[There will be] people coming back who’ve been part of the show and who love the show," Michaels told the outlet. "Not so much as hosts but just making appearances." Given that season 50 will mark the biggest milestone in the show's history, one can only imagine the big names that Michaels will be bringing back to celebrate. Consider us excited.