The speculation and rumors surrounding whether Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels was going to retire before the show’s 50th season have finally been addressed. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Michaels spoke to the New York Times regarding if he were to step down or not. According to the show creator himself, the time does not seem to be now.
There has yet to be any confirmed announcement about Michaels’ retirement. The rumors started when the show started to reach its 50th anniversary, which will be celebrated this year with its 50th season, and a plan for a three-hour special in the middle of the season. As the anniversary nears, fans speculated that it would be a convenient time for Michaels to step down. But, the show creator, who is 79 years old, told the New York Times otherwise.
“I’m going to do it as long as I feel I can do it,” he said to NYT. He then continued. “But I rely on other people and always have.”
He then continued to explain that the job is no easy feat. Not only with the stressful pressure of one of the most iconic sketch variety shows but with the level of fame that comes with it. He talked about how the job comes with its dangers of people not turning out the nicest. He said, “No one can handle the fame. Generally, we’re more tolerant of it, but you know people are going to turn into assholes. Because it’s just part of that process because no one grew up that way.”
He then went on to talk about the reality of how being the head of the show also includes mentoring the newcomers as they jump into the crazy world of comedy. Michales says, “If you were the funniest kid in the class, or your school, and then you’re working professionally and everyone else in the room is that,” he said. “It can be upsetting or can be really stimulating.”
As of now, Michaels is still with SNL and there is no update on his status of retiring from the show.