Lorne Michaels: Will He Retire After Saturday Night Live’s 50th Season?

As Saturday Night Live gears up for its milestone 50th season this fall, the big question on many fans’ minds is whether legendary creator and producer Lorne Michaels might retire after the anniversary year. Michaels has helmed SNL since its premiere in 1975, shaping it into one of the most iconic comedy shows in television history. But the 78-year-old producer has dropped hints about exiting the series after season 50.

In 2020, Michaels stated “I think I’m committed to doing this show until its 50th anniversary, which is in three years.” This led to speculation that Michaels planned season 50 to be his SNL swan song. However, he seems to have walked back those retirement comments more recently.

Michaels Now Says He Has “No Immediate Plan” to Leave

In a new interview with Rolling Stone, Michaels said he has “no immediate plan” to leave Saturday Night Live after this coming milestone season. He says as long as he can keep doing it, he is happy to stick around.

But things could change at any time! 22bet.com thinks there is a 33.3% chance or odds of 3/1 that Lorne Michael will retire after the 50^th Season of SNL.

It appears the producer has had a change of heart since first floating the idea of exiting after season 50. SNL stars like Colin Jost, Michael Che, and Seth Meyers have also downplayed the notion that Michaels is gearing up for retirement soon. “No one who works there thinks he’s leaving,” Jost told The Hollywood Reporter. “I think this is a false narrative that Lorne is going anywhere,” Meyers said earlier this year.

SNL Stars Don’t Expect Imminent Retirement

Clearly, Michaels seems to have more gas left in the tank creatively. Despite turning 80 next year, he apparently feels he still has something vital to contribute to guiding SNL’s future. Michaels has steered the show through countless cast changes and cultural shifts over the decades. He may feel that leaving now, at such an important milestone, would be abandoning the show before it’s truly ready for him to hand over the reins.

Potential Replacements Waiting in the Wings

That said, Michaels has also nurtured an impressive roster of talent who could potentially take up his mantle one day. Names like Tina Fey, Seth Meyers, and John Mulaney are often mentioned as possible successors. These former SNL stars know the show intimately and could usher in a new era while respecting its legacy.

The End of an Era, Whenever it Comes

But for now, Michaels seems intent on staying at the helm a while longer. Season 50 will surely be a historic, star-studded celebration of all that makes SNL unique. One thing that defines the show’s essence is Michaels’ steadfast leadership and comedic vision. Despite retirement rumors, it appears he’ll continue providing that through at least this banner 50th season – and likely for more seasons to come.

When Michaels does eventually step aside, it will truly be the end of an era at Saturday Night Live. Yet that transition seems farther off than some fans may have expected. For a show that emphasizes staying relevant and adapting to the times, Michaels still represents the beating heart and soul of this comedy institution. Don’t expect him to relinquish that role before he’s truly ready.