Lorne’s Vision: Cooler, Smarter, Funnier
Lorne Michaels is cooking up a British version of ‘Saturday Night Live’ and he wants it to be the ‘cooler’ sibling. He’s aiming for something smarter, funnier, and more original than its American counterpart. At the Los Angeles premiere of his documentary ‘Lorne,’ Michaels emphasized that the U.K. version should stand on its own, not just mimic the U.S. show.
In a chat moderated by NBCUniversal’s Donna Langley, Michaels confessed he’s in frequent talks with U.K. producer James Longman and head writer Daran Jonno Johnson. However, he insists it’s their show to shape. ‘I’ve been doing this for 50 years,’ he said. ‘But they need to do it their way.’
Meet the New Cast
‘Saturday Night Live U.K.’ hit the screens on March 21, featuring a fresh lineup: Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi, and Paddy Young. The show aims to carve out its niche in the comedy landscape.
Meanwhile, Michaels’ latest documentary, directed by Morgan Neville, delves into his storied career with insights from ‘SNL’ alums like Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, and Chris Rock. Despite being 81, Michaels told Steve Martin over dinner that retirement isn’t on his agenda.
Behind the Scenes of ‘Lorne’
At the documentary premiere, John Mulaney humorously speculated about who might eventually take over ‘SNL,’ joking about the daunting task of filling Michaels’ shoes at a fraction of the pay. The event was a star-studded affair with appearances from Steven Spielberg, Owen Wilson, and more.
Director Neville gained rare access to Michaels but couldn’t pry into his personal life or finances. ‘He didn’t want to talk about family or money,’ Neville noted. ‘But trust me, he’s doing just fine.’ The documentary ‘Lorne’ hits theaters on April 17, offering fans a closer look at the enigmatic producer.
Quick Facts
- •💡 Lorne Michaels wants ‘SNL U.K.’ to be smarter and funnier than the U.S. version.
- •💡 ‘Saturday Night Live U.K.’ premiered on March 21, 2026.
- •💡 Michaels has been producing ‘SNL’ for 50 years.
- •💡 The documentary ‘Lorne’ features interviews with ‘SNL’ cast members.
- •💡 ‘Lorne’ is set to release in theaters on April 17, 2026.