NEW YORK CITY (AP) — Lorne Michaels, the executive producer of “Saturday Night Live,” has hinted at his potential successor for when he eventually retires from the hit sketch show. While speaking to “Entertainment Tonight,” Michaels shared that Tina Fey is among the names being considered for the role.
Fey, known for her roles in “Mean Girls” and “30 Rock,” has been linked to the position before. Michaels described her as “brilliant” and someone he can trust implicitly with the show. He also revealed that Fey is an important person in his life.
The 79-year-old Michaels, who co-created “Saturday Night Live” in 1975, has been involved with the show as a writer, producer, and executive producer for over 40 years. Fey joined the show as a writer in 1997 and was later promoted to head writer. She then became a cast member co-anchoring the popular “Weekend Update” segment.
Michaels expressed his commitment to staying with “SNL” for its 50th anniversary in 2025. However, he acknowledged the need to plan for his eventual departure, stating, “Sometime before that, we’ll figure out what we’re gonna do.” The upcoming 50th season of the show is scheduled to begin in the fall.
Michaels’ comments have sparked speculation about the future of “SNL” and the possibility of Fey taking over. Both Michaels and Fey have maintained a close relationship since her departure from the show, with Michaels even executive-producing several of Fey’s projects.
As of now, no official announcement has been made regarding who will succeed Michaels as executive producer of “Saturday Night Live.” However, with Fey’s talent and experience, she appears to be a strong contender for the role. Fans of the show eagerly await further updates on the future of this iconic comedy institution.