Rumors about Lorne Michaels’ retirement from Saturday Night time Reside have been operating rampant as of late, and former forged member Molly Shannon is aware of precisely who ought to exchange him. Michaels has served because the showrunner of the NBC sketch comedy selection collection since he created it in 1975. 50 years later, it is likely to be time for another person to take over the function.
Throughout an interview with Individuals, Shannon (who served as a forged member from 1995 to 2001) mentioned who ought to succeed Michaels as Saturday Night time Reside’s showrunner. At first, she mentioned, “Lorne is irreplaceable … He’s just a one-of-a-kind genius. Brilliant. Smart.” Nevertheless, when requested concerning the concept of veteran SNL star Kenan Thompson changing Michaels, Shannon was greater than onboard. She mentioned:
“I love this idea. He’s the greatest — I adore Kenan. [Kenan is] so talented. That’s an excellent idea.”
Can Kenan Thompson Change Lorne Michaels?
Lorne Michaels has given various solutions regarding his retirement from SNL over time. He beforehand steered that he would step down after season 50. Nevertheless, the NBC present’s historic season has come and gone, and Michaels continues to be round. Primarily based on hypothesis and underrated SNL forged member Molly Shannon’s feedback, although, which may not be the case for very lengthy.
Associated
SNL’s Morgan Wallen Stroll-Off Controversy Defined
After serving because the musical visitor for the March 29, 2025, episode of Saturday Night time Reside, Morgan Wallen walked off the set, inflicting controversy.
It nonetheless is likely to be a couple of years earlier than Michaels retires, relying on unexpected circumstances. However when the time comes, Thompson might very simply be the individual to step into Michaels’ footwear, given how lengthy he has been round Studio 8H. Thompson has been an SNL forged member since 2003, making him the longest-tenured forged member in SNL’s historical past. If anybody deserves to take the reins from Michaels, it is Thompson.
Our Take On Shannon’s Advice
Thompson Would Be A Good Alternative To Take Over SNL
Everybody has totally different opinions about who ought to exchange Lorne Michaels as SNL’s showrunner as soon as he retires. Some declare it must be Weekend Replace host/SNL author Colin Jost, whereas others would favor well-known former stars resembling Tina Fey or Seth Meyers. Nonetheless, Shannon is true. Kenan Thompson is a good option to fill in for Michaels after he steps down.
Shannon, who usually will get overshadowed by different SNL performers however is undoubtedly among the many greats, is aware of what she’s speaking about. Thompson is supremely gifted. If he wasn’t, he would not have been a profitable a part of the Saturday Night time Reside forged for greater than twenty years (and counting).
Kenan Thompson has acquired six Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his work on Saturday Night time Reside, profitable one in 2018 for Excellent Music and Lyrics for “Come Back, Barack.”
Nevertheless, it stays to be seen who Michaels would need to take over as soon as he retires as SNL’s showrunner. There are such a lot of individuals to select from, together with Jost, Fey, Meyers, and extra. Solely time will inform if Shannon’s ideas about Thompson come to fruition, and sadly, it is unclear when that call about Michaels’ alternative on Saturday Night time Reside shall be made.
SIGN UP NOW!
Supply: Individuals