For 45 years, Lorne Michaels has been the executive producer ofSaturday Night Live, NBC’s fabled sketch comedy program. The creator of the show, he’s overseen some of its highest highs and lowest lows, save for the weird transition time in the early 190s when he wasn’t involved.
Although no official word of retirement or stepping down has been given, there’s always rampant speculation about Michaels' retirement, and he’s been adamant recently about stepping down after the end of the 50th season. In the event he does step down, and in light ofMolly Shannon’s recent comments on who she thinks could replace Lorne Michaels onSNL, we’re ranking eight possible successors to the throne.
8Amy Poehler
Unlikely Dark Horse Candidate
In the annals ofSaturday Night Live, no woman brought it as consistently and as hilariously as Amy Poehler. Successful in Studio 8H and outside, she’s rarely missed in her comedy ventures.
Poehler may not be the top choice for Lorne’s successor, but she certainly has the comedic chops to take on the job. We wouldn’t be surprised to see her involved in some capacity if her former “Weekend Update” co-host takes the seat, instead (more on that below).
7Michael Che
Weekend Update Anchor Could Be A Wise Choice
One of the long-term hosts of “Weekend Update”, Michael Che spent five years as a co-head writer forSNL, alongside his “Update” co-host Colin Jost. Che’s deadpan humor and lack of shyness around controversial subject matter make him an ideal candidate for the position if Lorne keeps true to his word.
In a recent interview withThe Howard Stern Show, Che ruled out the possibility of taking over Lorne’s throne, stating"to me, it’s like, imagine being the stepfather of a 50-year-old."
That’s what you’re stepping into [in] that role. It’s just impossible, it’s just really hard to do.
Che would be a great fit for the role, but himself also consistently in discussions about leavingSNLafter each season, it’s hard to say he would stick around to take Lorne’s place at the top.
6Colin Jost
In consideration of Michael Che as the new executive producer ofSNLin the wake of Lorne Michaels' reported retirement, Colin Jost has to be considered as well. A former co-head writer with Che, Jost also brings a young dynamic to the EP chair and would be an easy fit into the role.
During their uncomfortable and hilarious “Joke Swap” bit at the end of every season ofSNLthey co-anchored “Weekend Update” on, Che had Jost read a joke about Jost taking over Lorne’s seat, pleading with him to “retire, b****!” While we know he was (mostly) kidding, we could easily see Jost sliding into the role, although we’d rather see them him and Che co-EP the show as they work so well together.
5Steve Higgins
Longtime Producer On SNL Checks Out
An unsung hero on this list is Steve Higgins, the current announcer forThe Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallonand current writer and producer onSNL. Higgins brings a unique set of skills to the potential EP position, having worked in proximity to Lorne for more than 30 years.
Higgins is hilarious as the announcer onThe Tonight Showand could easily slide into the role. Being the executive producer of a storied and oftentimes difficult franchise likeSNLcould be a heavy task for some, but Higgins comes with the resume and the chops to pull it off.
4Conan O’Brien
Former SNL Writer And Producer Would Crush
The name on everyone’s minds whenever the discussion of a new show runner forSNLcomes up, Conan O’Brien seems like an incredibly obvious choice. No longer saddled by a weekly nighttime talk show, O’Brien could find a way back to NBC as the man who took SNL to new heights in the 21st Century.
O’Brien still has a significant amount of goodwill behind his name since the debacle that saw him outed as the host ofThe Tonight Showback in 2010, so seeing him supported as the new executive producer ofSNLwould likely come with big support and massive fanfare. O’Brien fits the mold, and we think he’d be great in the role, especially if fans called for NBC to make it right (finally).
3Adam McKay
Will Ferrell’s Former Creative Partner Makes More Sense Than You Think
This one’s a little out of the box, but no one exemplified the absurd comedy genre of the mid-to-late 2000s quite like director and producer Adam McKay. Along with his former comedy partner, Will Ferrell, McKay gave us some of the most quotable quotes that we all spouted to each other before memes were a thing.
McKay might be an outsider, but he could bring a unique and irreverent dynamic toSNLwith his avant-garde and absurd brand of humor. He may not even be considered, but we hope McKay gets to at least interview for it, preferably listing Jesus Christ as his reference, too (shout out to his incredible cameo inStep Brothers).
2Kenan Thompson
Longest Running Cast Member Ever Fits Well
A cast member since 2003, Kenan Thompson is now the longest-tenured and longest-lasting cast member inSNLhistory. With someone with as deep a pedigree and time span on the program as his, Kenan Thompson makes for a suitable replacement for Lorne.
To add to the lore of Kenan’s potential, formerSNLcast member Molly Shannon recently gave her recommendation for Kenan to take the throne in a recent interview withPeople. With Shannon’s stamp of approval, we may see more former and current cast members push for Kenan to take the throne.
1Tina Fey
Our Top Choice Is Likely The Right One
Out of all the options that are available for Lorne Michaels' replacement as the executive producer ofSNL, Tina Fey makes the most sense, logistically and logically. An icon of the show, and someone who seems to understand his psychology so brilliantly parodied on 30 Rock, Fey has made her mark on NBC.
Fey seems like the right choice ten times out of ten, and with a steady hand in the role, she could easily usher in a newSaturday Night Livegeneration in terms of content and new Not Ready For Prime Time Players. If Lorne Michaels does decide to retire this year, NBC should pick the phone up quickly, get Tina Fey the bag, and lock her in as their new EP.
